Twas the night before Christmas, and all through my life
Not a creature was stirring, and I have an ex-wife;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were off, all out of the nest
Which at their age is all for the best.

I settled my bones in Karl’s cool hoodie

To wrap a saved present while watching my movie
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I staggered not flashed,
Threw ope’ the door, ‘in the hallway did dash

In hopes I might find that jolly St. Nick

It was only my neighbor, coming home sick

And that’s the problem with Christmas, you see
We know what we want and how it must be

But Santa’s not coming to see us tonight

The Christ child is coming to bring us his light

With power to judge both the quick and dead

And the Word he does give us to keep us well fed

He doesn’t want cookies or presents or greed

But to love each other in thought, word, and deed

I stood there a moment just balanced and wild

Just then I knew Santa as I did as a child

It came to me clearly and rang like a bell

We make our own Christmas be it heaven or hell

Let go of the sorrow, the anguish, the pain

Clear your heart and your mind and love flow like rain

Then he did go yet still he remained

Merry Christmas to all, most joyous refrain