'Twas The Night Before Christmas...

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house,

A little creature was stirring, yes, ’twas a small attic mouse;

The mantle was decorated with much special care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

Mom and Dad Aleo were snuggled under covers in bed,

While visions of Christmas vacation danc’d in their heads;

And mama on her heating pad, and I in my wrap,

Knew we would never get a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

Only to realize it was lots of friends about to gather;

Away to the window we ran with a dash,

Pulled up the blinds, and threw up the sash.

The Winter Solstice moon shown brightly on the snow,

It gave light to the darkened Earth below;

When, what to our blurry eyes did appear,

But friends coming home from college to give us some cheer;

Up out of our beds we sprang with joy,

To greet those sweet faces of many a boy;

They hooted and hollered all ‘thro the night,

Which kept our hearts glowing with much d’light.

Our family is eager to share special time together,

As these precious memories we’ll hold in our hearts forever.

This past year held many challenges and trying circumstances indeed,

But we feel blessed to gather ‘round our sparkling Christmas Tree;

The most important gift is that whom we favor,

So let us rejoice in CHRIST our Savior;

As we ponder and pray and hold our loved ones tight,

We wish you a Merry Christmas, and to all a Good Night.

(Inspired by Clement Moore’s “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”)