‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Except for little Emma, who was no more than three
Christmas was tomorrow. How could she sleep?
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
Emma lay there awake, her big eyes open wide
She forced her eyes shut. She tried and she tried.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
But not little Emma who just couldn’t sleep
She tried to lie still and not make a peep.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Emma sprang from her bed to see what was the matter.
More excited than frightened she ran down the stairs
She peered out the window and saw reindeer in pairs.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick
She knew in a moment it must be St. Nick
Why did people call him that? It just wasn’t so.
His real name was Santa Claus. She was three. She should know.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack
Emma looked in wonder at the presents in his hands
She hoped one was her favorite doll or maybe Candyland.
His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.
This was the Santa she dreamed of last night
With his red Santa suit and his beard snow white.
He had a broad face and a round little belly
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
That made Emma smile, and she held back a giggle.
She hid in the corner and tried not to wiggle.
The stub of a pipe he held tight in his teeth
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
It went through the air and tickled Emma’s throat
It was all she could do to not cough and choke.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filling the stockings he turned with a jerk.
He saw little Emma as he turned around
And sampled the cookies and milk that he found.
Then laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
Emma stood speechless at the man she’d just seen.
Now the lights looked more sparkly, the tree looked more green.
And she heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
