Sunday 24 December 2017

Advent Calendar Day 24: The Night Before Christmas

(Card www.alexclarkart.co.uk)

I offer you this little poem with humble apologies to Clement C Moore whose words I’ve abused.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the hen-house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung on the rafters with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The sheep were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of silage danced in their heads;
And cat in her basket (not on a lap),
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
The chickens sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.
Away to the door they flew like a flash,
Tore open the catches which was rather rash!

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But a wily old fox who filled them with fear,

He was a little old fox, but lively and quick,
With sharp little teeth and a tongue that could flick!
More rapid than eagles he charged through the door,
Creating a clang and a clatter and such an uproar.

A quick-thinking chicken jumped on his back,
And the sheep and the cat went on the attack.
To the top of the hen house! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

They sprang through the door to make their escape,
Leaving the wily old fox far behind (in their wake).
But they heard him exclaim, ere he slunk out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!!!

With thanks to our friends and neighbours Mary and John for the Christmas card which inspired this post.


The Christmas tree in the corner of the room is twinkling away, presents wrapped, shopping done and feet up!


Our grandson Tris is spending a few days with us, and tomorrow the three of us will join Terry’s parents for a slap-up meal in a pub close to where they live. 

(Vintage card from my collection)

This will be my last link to Julie's advent calendar (thank you Julie), and all that remains now is to wish you all the very happiest of happy Christmases. Thank you to everyone who visited my blog in 2017, to those who left comments and those who didn’t. 

46 comments:

  1. A wonderful illustration, and your alteration of the poem is really good. I enjoyed your Christmas Calendar this year, thanks for sharing! Enjoy your family time, all the best, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thanks Valerie, have a lovely Christmas. xx

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  2. No jokes to~day....Poems...
    Snowball....
    By Shel Silverstein..
    I made myself a snowball,
    As perfect as could be,
    I thought I’d keep it as a pet,
    And let it sleep with me.
    I made it some pajamas,
    And a pillow for its head,
    Then last night it ran away,
    But first - it wet the bed!

    A Chubby Snowman..
    By Anon...
    A chubby little snowman
    had a carrot nose.
    Along came a bunny,
    and what do you suppose?
    That hungry little bunny,
    looking for some lunch,
    Grabbed that snowman’s nose,
    Nibble, nibble, crunch!

    The Day Before Christmas..
    By Anon..
    We have been helping with the cake,
    And licking out the pan,
    And wrapping up our packages,
    As neatly as we can.
    We have hung our stockings up,
    Beside the open grate.
    And now there’s nothing more to do,
    Except
    To
    Wait...! :)

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    1. I love the Shel Silverstein poem, not heard that one before. Thanks for posting them Willie.
      Have a lovely Christmas 😊

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  3. Have a lovely Christmas.
    Thank you for joining in, hope we can all do it again next year?

    Julie xxxxx

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    1. Thanks Julie it was fun.
      Have a lovely Christmas xxx

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  4. Happy Christmas. I enjoyed the alternative version of the poemx
    Arilx


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    1. I hope you have a joyous Christmas Aril xx

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  5. Darling friend, how I wish I could magically fly over each country and land in the homes of friends I've met over blogging, to simply wish them a happy Christmas! Thank you so much for the beautiful card! It was exciting to receive a "Royal Mail" card!

    We are excited about just resting at home, together. Enjoy your family and peace to all!

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    1. I wish that too Anita. Have a wonderful Christmas sweet friend.

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  6. Merry Christmas, Barbara! I hope you and your family have a wonderful time :)

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    1. Thank you Nikki-ann. Merry Christmas to you and all your family. x

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  7. I'm going to miss this countdown advent calendar, but I've had fun visiting every day. I'm simply THRILLED I met you in blogland this year, dear Barbara. It's been fun getting to know you and reading each of your blog posts.

    I did something similar to Moore's tale, but mine wasn't nearly as clever as yours. And your home and tree are so warm and inviting. You certainly have the right idea about tomorrow's meal. No cooking, no cleanup afterwards, and time spent with family instead of in the kitchen.

    Have a joyous, safe, and extremely happy Christmas. Enjoy your time away and enjoy time with that grandson.

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    1. Thank you so much Elizabeth and I feel just the same way about getting to know you.
      I will be over to read your latest posts in a day or so.
      Have a wonderful Christmas.
      xx

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  8. Oh, my! I hope no foxes come to frighten the chickens tonight! The rooster is as smart as the one in your verses (and VERY LARGE), so all shall be well. I wish we had a pub nearby doing a slap up meal for Christmas! It sounds like a lovely way to celebrate- no post feast clean-up. Thank you for this wonderful Advent Calendar, Barbara! I wish you a very Happy Christmas!

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    1. Don't worry Colleen that fox is too busy chasing my imaginary chickens yours will be quite safe. :-)
      We've done a mini Christmas meal today, all feeling very full and well satisfied and looking forward to tomorrow. I hope you are having fun. Happy Christmas. Love Barbara

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  9. Thank you for that lovely poem. I hope your day tomorrow is just perfect.

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    1. Thanks Roger. Merry Christmas to you and all your family.

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  10. Thank you.
    Christmas has landed here.
    I have been thoroughly enjoying your Advent series and hope that Christmas and the coming year are wonderful for you and yours.

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    1. Have a lovely, lovely day! I'm so pleased you enjoyed my Advent calendar. Thanks so much for coming over. x

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  11. Your tree looks wonderful. Enjoy your time with your grandson. Dot is snuggled up in bed waiting for a visit from Santa. xo

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    1. I hope Santa brings Dot everything her heart desires and I hope you are having a lovely time. xx

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  12. Hi Barbara,

    What an amazing adaptation of that classic seasonal poem. Thanks for all the photos and pictures. It has been one adventurous advent.

    And now, being less than two hours until Christmas in our time zone, I bid thee a peaceful goodnight.

    Penny's human dad,

    Gary ❄☃

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    1. Thanks so much Gary. I hope Christmas is everything you would want it to be.
      Hugs Barbara

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  13. I love your poem, and the tree is gorgeous! 💖 Merry Christmas to all!

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    1. Merry Christmas dear Diane, I hope you all have a lovely day. x

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  14. I have enjoyed your Advent series.

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks Jan, I enjoyed putting it together. Merry Christmas x

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  15. Great rhyming Barbara! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!

    Hank

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    1. Thanks Hank, I can’t claim to be a poet, but I had fun with this!
      Have a lovely Christmas, Barbara

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  16. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And thank you for sharing these cards and the pictures of your Christmas tree.

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    1. Hello Alex, I’m a little late to wish you a Happy Christmas, but I hope it was jolly!
      Best wishes for 2018. :) x

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  17. You're so very clever and I love this so much! Another belated Christmas greeting -- and kudos!

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    1. Thank you dear Janie, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

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  18. I truly hope you had a great Christmas!!
    I love the image from the card! Gorgeous! And, I love the poem!!
    Your Christmas tree looks so beautiful!!
    Big Hugs!! Here's to a great 2018!

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    1. Christmas was magical made so by a visit from our grandson and time spent with Terry’s mum and dad. I hope you had a lovely time. Thanks for all your visits; I will be over to catch up with you soon. Happy New Year x

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  19. Fun version of Moore's poem and I love the golden tinsel on your tree!

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    1. The tinsel and the lights are new this year. It occurred to us our tree always looks exactly the same. We hadn’t noticed until we started posting pictures online! :)

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  20. Got round to your blog at last! Love the photos and the poem. Hope the meal was good on Christmas Day and hope you are enjoying your time with Tris xx😄🌲 Love to all xxxx

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  21. Thanks Sue. We all enjoyed spending time with Tris and the food was very good. I will email you tomorrow. xxx

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  22. Dear Barbara i enjoyed reading your posts very much. I loved the all the poems and it was such fun reading. After a hectic run up to Christmas it was so nice to sit down and read your posts .
    I am sure now you are busy now getting ready for your trip to Australia. Have a wonderful time. Shall miss reading your blog posts. Hope You will continue with the posts once you are back all refreshed from your holiday. Have a safe trip until you get back au revoir my friend and take care.

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    1. Hello Shashi,
      Thank you so much for taking the time to my posts, I really appreciate it.
      I hope you had a lovely Christmas.
      We’ve started thinking about what needs doing for our trip but not actually done anything yet – but we will. :-) Terry has a horrible cold, and I’m feeling a bit unwell too so we are taking it easy at the moment. Thank you for all your kind wishes.
      Have a blessed New Year Shashi, I hope your mum stays well.
      Love to you and your husband. x

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  23. I hope your Christmas was as amazing as you are, and I thank you for doing this special calendar and the memories. Hugs...RO

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    1. Aww thanks RO. We had a lovely Christmas, just sad it’s over. Happy New Year & hugs Barbara

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  24. Hi Barbara!

    Wishing you all the best for 2018!

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    1. Hello Nas, I hope life is being kind to you.

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx