‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore!

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, save one tubby mouse.

The stockings were hung by each teddy bear,

In hopes that kind Santa soon would be there.

 

The teddies were nestled all snug in their beds

While visions of honey pots danced in their heads.

Except one cheeky bear, too excited to sleep

Who pulled back the covers, determined to peep.

 

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,

The bear was too scared to see what was the matter.

The tubby mouse scampered to bear like a flash

And both of them fell on the floor with a crash.

 

Cheeky and Mouse were trembling and quaking.

They rushed to the window, their paws were all shaking.

They were filled full of fears and terrors and dreads

Till they saw some strange creatures with things on their heads!

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The creatures pulled Santa along on a sled

The pair knew it was Santa - he was dressed all in red.

They listened as Santa and the strange creatures came.

Heard him whistle and shout and call them by name.

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'Now Nelly! Now Bunny!

Now Dolly and Doggy!

On Lumpy! On, Gertie!

On, Neddy and Froggy!

To the top of the porch!

To the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!'

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All of the teddies were sleeping in bed,

So only the mouse and the green cheeky ted

Saw the strange creatures as higher they flew,

With a sleigh full of toys and Santa Claus too.

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And then in a twinkling they heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As the mouse and the cheeky bear quickly turned round

Down the chimney came Santa with a leap and a bound.

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He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

Goodies and honey pots spilled from his sack.

 

His eyes how they twinkled! His laughter, how merry!

His cheeks were all fluffy, his nose like a berry!

His neatly-sewn mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

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'That's a bear!' hissed the mouse, 'It's not Santa Claus.'

Cheeky giggled, then whispered, 'It's Santa Paws!

He's been scoffing the mince pies, look at his tummy.

The reason he's fat is 'cos mince pies are yummy!'

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He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old bear,

And they laughed when they saw him, the saucy young pair.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave them to know they had nothing to dread.

 

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

He filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his paw aside of his nose

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

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He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But they heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

'Beary Christmas to all, and to all a good night!'

 

The bears opened their presents, then Cheeky and Mouse

Told of the visitor who came to their house.

And the mouse confided, full of good cheer,

'I saw a Steiff button in Santa's ear.'

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(Where was Rudolph, you ask, with his nose bright and merry? 

I'm sorry to tell you, but he found Santa's sherry.)


You can listen and watch this on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-wOkBnx71Q