‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the house,
The presents were hidden from kids and from spouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.
The to do list is long and mom says ‘nother prayer.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
As mom sat up tense running plans through her head.
And dad was oblivious to all of the stress,
He buys mom one gift and calls his work a success.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
Mom sprang from her chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the window she flew like a flash,
Tripped over the Legos and fell into the trash.
There down the street came the FedEx man with ease.
Mom looked to the dog, “Please don’t wake the babies!”
Online shopping she sighed, makes life such a breeze,
Until the deliveries come in moments like these.
With a little old driver, so quiet and quick,
She knew in a moment this guy knew the trick.
More rapid than eagles he quietly came.
He made not a peep, so the dog remained tame.
Now Barbies! Now Dollies! Now Play-doh! and New Books!
On Nerf Guns! On Tractors! On Iron Man and Hulk!
He stacked toys on the porch, they stacked toys down the wall!
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!
The closets were filled to the brim with the spread!
More presents spilled out from down under the bed.
The basement could hold no more gifts, no more toys.
Mom knew it was time for some wrapping, without making noise.
And then in a twinkle, she heard down the hall,
The crying and chatting of her sweet little doll.
As she drew in her head, and was turning around,
Down the hallway her children came with a bound.
No wrapping would happen with kids underfoot,
They were ready to play, and would not stay put.
A bundle of energy, mom wished she had some,
With just one week ’til Christmas, she wished she could bum.
The house needs some cleaning, the floors need to be shining!
The cookies need baking, the turkey needs brining.
Christmas cards on the table still have to be mailed.
More tricks from that elf on the shelf, must be unveiled.
The gingerbread houses still sat in the box,
Mom wishes that there was more time on the clock.
The Advent calendar needs too much attention,
Cursed be the one who dreamed up that invention.
The kids are a calling to go play in the snow,
Their excitement for Christmas was starting to show.
A wink of her eye, and a twist of her head,
She drug out the snow pants and hats with such dread.
She spoke not a word, but went straight to her work,
Shoving on hats, boots, and gloves before kids go berserk.
And laying a kiss on each sweet little head,
The to do list can wait, she’ll make memories instead.
They piled out the door with many tasks all undone.
Mom knew in a moment this would be much more fun.
The joy of the season is what she should seek.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good week!
Adapted by me, from “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Merry Christmas mommas!
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