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.