'twas the night before christmas

'Twas weeks before Christmas when all through the house

there was plenty of stirring, even the mouse.

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care,

the Nativity was still packed and I was pulling out my hair.

The store was not ready, no cranberries were strung,

no visions of sugar plums, no wreaths had been hung.

The children weren't nestled, they had sports to partake in.

I needed a drink, one stirred and one shaken.

I sat by the fire with my scarf and my cap

and dozed for 10 minutes, for a short winter's nap.

When out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter

I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.

Away to the oven I flew like a flash to find my cookies all burnt

and now fit for the trash.

Twas' weeks before Christmas and I was hardly prepared

from design blog to blog I sat and I stared.

And then in a twinkling to get away from the noise

I went to the beach in hopes of shopping for toys.

As I woke the next day and walked down to mass

The quiet, the peace, no schedule - alas.

The feeling of Christmas, that's all that I need,

forget the decor or my cute jacket of tweed.

Forget all the shopping, forget the stress of the store,

forget holiday crafts, forget the festive decor.

Remember my blessings, remember of the things that I should,

Thank God for my family and all that is good.

Just for a minute, everything seemed right.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Wishing you all the merriest of Christmases and hoping you are enjoying your family and what is really important!