'Twas the night

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Remember reading this poem at Christmastime growing up and as we snuggled in bed with Meag this Christmas Eve, we pulled out the book and read it. I love all being snuggled in bed when it is cold outside and spending time with my family. There is nothing better and we had lots of it this Christmas! It was blissful. Meag would go to the tree every day and look to see if she could spot any new presents that had been put under there with her name on it- too funny! That girl got everything, too! At one point, she had 29 presents under the tree and then I just stopped counting. :-) Christmas was always big in my family so we wanted to do the same with our family. One of her big gifts (that she hasn't put down) is her iTouch. She LOVES it! We all had the perfect Christmas, not due to the gifts (although those were amazing) but because we had my whole family around the tree again and were able to celebrate the wonderful meaning of this holiday. As we sat around at my sweet grandma's on Christmas Eve and read the story of Jesus' birth, I dreamed about that joyous night when Jesus came to earth. Such an amazing blessing and many times that night we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. Very special.

Another Christmas has come and gone. The presents are all unwrapped. The Christmas baking and yummy, decadent food has been consumed. Memories and traditions have been made. However, the spirit of Christmas will stay with us until next year. Meag has already started our magnet countdown for next Christmas! Is she my twinkie or what?! LOVE it!

Not only was Christmas beyond wonderful, my dear friend had her precious son right after the holiday. We visited her and her new little family and I must say, he is just perfect. He is so tiny and has the most perfect face. Meag held him and just loved on him. I am so happy for my sweet friend and know they will be the best parents!!

As we watched the ball drop and celebrated the new year, I felt so blessed with what 2010 had brought and can't wait for 2011! I will have to get used to writing 2011 when I just got used to writing 2010! Crazy how time flies! My hubby will be 31 this year, my sweet daughter will be 11 and I will be 28. So excited about what this year will bring to us and looking forward to being able to share it all with my family by my side! I am one blessed lady! Praising God for his many blessings and all that He is.

Cheers to 2011! May it bring you and your family peace, good health, happiness and love!