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'Twas the Night Before Christmas: The sequal
Nise's Notes
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
December 22, 2004
'Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
this Nise was stirring,
no worries of a mouse.
The stockings were hung
on the mantle with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.
The cat, he was nestled
all snug in his bed,
while visions of catnip
danced in his head.
And Mom in the kitchen,
and Dad at the tree,
we all had to wonder
how the next day would be.
When out in the yard
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk chair
to see what was the matter.
Over to the door
I slid with a crash.
Unlocked the dead bolt.
Had it open in a flash.
The lights on the roof
we'd hung with holiday cheer
gave a bright, happy glow
to objects that were near.
And, what should my wondering eyes land upon?
My dog and four pups playing out in the lawn.
With a sigh and a laugh
I closed back the door.
Why did I hope
my eyes would see more?
I turned to my parents
and said with a grin,
"I know how I wanted
this story to begin:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!
"To the top of the porch!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!"
We then enjoyed our tradition
We do every year after mass,
We came home and had cider,
but only a glass.
Then to bed we all went,
But sleep I couldn't do.
As I wondered what would come
In packages, brand new.
And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing
of each little hoof.
I tilted my head
with confusion, you see
I was very unsure,
but... hey, could it be?
I crawled out of bed
And peeked out of my door.
I really, really, really
couldn't wait any more.
Then there he was
as I hoped he would be.
Santa was petting my cat,
down on one knee.
I opened my mouth
to give him fair warning
When Sully, he bit him!
That would hurt in the morning.
I bit back a giggle
As Santa stood with a sigh.
"That cat he does hate me,
Though I do not know why."
He turned and he worked
In manner filled with care.
I itched to approach him,
But I knew I didn't dare.
He paused and looked around
as if deep in thought.
He stacked all the packages,
and I wondered what he had brought.
He was chubby and plump,
red suit, beard and pipe.
The books that described him,
well, it wasn't just hype!
With a wink of his eye
and a wave of his finger,
his job was all done.
He had no need to linger.
He picked up his bag,
and turned as if to leave.
He then looked straight at me,
and said, "I'm glad you believe."
With a grin and a nod,
I agreed with the old man.
Then the cat gave a hiss,
and Santa... he ran!
I hopped into bed,
as I heard the sleigh fly away.
And I strained so I could hear
what it was he had to say.
And I wasn't let down,
As I heard his wish to us all.
"Good to be in Texas!
Now Merry Christmas, y'all!"
Nise's Notes
By Denise Schoppe
The Marlin Democrat
December 22, 2004
'Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
this Nise was stirring,
no worries of a mouse.
The stockings were hung
on the mantle with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.
The cat, he was nestled
all snug in his bed,
while visions of catnip
danced in his head.
And Mom in the kitchen,
and Dad at the tree,
we all had to wonder
how the next day would be.
When out in the yard
there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk chair
to see what was the matter.
Over to the door
I slid with a crash.
Unlocked the dead bolt.
Had it open in a flash.
The lights on the roof
we'd hung with holiday cheer
gave a bright, happy glow
to objects that were near.
And, what should my wondering eyes land upon?
My dog and four pups playing out in the lawn.
With a sigh and a laugh
I closed back the door.
Why did I hope
my eyes would see more?
I turned to my parents
and said with a grin,
"I know how I wanted
this story to begin:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!
Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid!
On, Donner and Blitzen!
"To the top of the porch!
To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!"
We then enjoyed our tradition
We do every year after mass,
We came home and had cider,
but only a glass.
Then to bed we all went,
But sleep I couldn't do.
As I wondered what would come
In packages, brand new.
And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof
the prancing and pawing
of each little hoof.
I tilted my head
with confusion, you see
I was very unsure,
but... hey, could it be?
I crawled out of bed
And peeked out of my door.
I really, really, really
couldn't wait any more.
Then there he was
as I hoped he would be.
Santa was petting my cat,
down on one knee.
I opened my mouth
to give him fair warning
When Sully, he bit him!
That would hurt in the morning.
I bit back a giggle
As Santa stood with a sigh.
"That cat he does hate me,
Though I do not know why."
He turned and he worked
In manner filled with care.
I itched to approach him,
But I knew I didn't dare.
He paused and looked around
as if deep in thought.
He stacked all the packages,
and I wondered what he had brought.
He was chubby and plump,
red suit, beard and pipe.
The books that described him,
well, it wasn't just hype!
With a wink of his eye
and a wave of his finger,
his job was all done.
He had no need to linger.
He picked up his bag,
and turned as if to leave.
He then looked straight at me,
and said, "I'm glad you believe."
With a grin and a nod,
I agreed with the old man.
Then the cat gave a hiss,
and Santa... he ran!
I hopped into bed,
as I heard the sleigh fly away.
And I strained so I could hear
what it was he had to say.
And I wasn't let down,
As I heard his wish to us all.
"Good to be in Texas!
Now Merry Christmas, y'all!"
