Santa Claus's Last Stop

Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house,
The power suddenly went off
Twas silent as a mouse.

We had to light a candle
To even find our own beds.
The kids hoped dear Santa Claus
Would not trip over their heads.

When the power finally came back
It was a quarter past four.
When I had to get up to answer
A loud knocking at the door.

It seems we were last
On Santa's great trip
With the last of our presents
Being delivered by St. Nick.

He was cold and he was frozen
The ice gleamed in his beard.
He welcomed the cold cookies
He drank the warm milk

He backed up to the fireplace
To the heat that did sear
And the warmer he got,
The greater his cheer.

While he warmed his red buns,
He smiled and gleefully said,
"Boy, I am glad I am done!
Now I can go home to Mrs. Santa
And have my own Christmas fun!"

Yet, before he left with his sleigh and reindeer,
He was once again jollied with good wishes and cheer.
As he left on his trip, the North Pole in his sight,
His jolly voice rang out with a Ho! Ho! Ho!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

(Dedicated to my grandchildren - Austin, Evelyn, Joshua, Richie, Aidan, and Amy)