Adapted from the original by Clement Clarke Moore

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the school

Not a power drill was running, not one single tool.

The stockings were hung by the chalkboard with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The pets were nestles all snug in their beds

While vision of scoobi-snacks danced in their heads.

And mamma in her PJs and I in my cap

Had just settled our brains for a long evenings nap.

When out in the schoolyard there a Rose Suchak ladder

I sprang from the recliner to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the curtains and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to the flagpole below.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear

But a miniature Ranger and eight white-tail deer

With a little old driver so lively and quick

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

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 bell tower St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in camo from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all covered in chalk dust and soot.

He had a broad face and like us, a round belly

That shakes when we laugh like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plum, a right holly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw rim, reminded of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had no new work ahead.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work

And filled all the stockings then turned with a jerk

And laying a finger aside of his nose

And giving a nod up the bell tower he rose.

He paused just a moment, and in a whisper, not shout

Declared that the journey has been what it’s about.

And I heard him explain ere he drove out of sight

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!