It’s almost here! The time of year when that creepy old fat man sneaks into your house and eats all of your cookies. Last year he drank all of our beer too. At least that’s what my husband told me. And although I don’t always believe him, he wouldn’t lie to me around Christmas. Reuben is watching.

Back before I found Santa’s wrapping paper in our gift closet (my mom tried to tell me she wrapped Santa’s gift for him), and I still believed in that creepy old man, I had one of the best Christmas’ of my life. At least until this year. I plan on completely immersing myself on the beach in Mexico to celebrate all that is holy (i.e. tequila, Coronas, Mexican street tacos, and the waves crashing on the shore). And before you go getting all crazy on me, I will try to make it to a Spanish speaking church on Christmas Eve, to hear all about the miracle of Christmas. Even if I can’t understand them. That’s some serious dedication.

Last year for Christmas I wanted to give my mom something special. Because she already has my love, I was stumped. Since she “loves” my writing, I went straight from the heart with this little poem about my most memorable Christmas ever. She loved it. I know this because  she still had it this year when I asked for a copy. That’s pretty unusual. The following is a true story:

The Most Memorable Christmas

On the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
you could probably hear the whining of little ol’ myself.
All the stockings were hung on the fireplace just so,
and a small little girl just couldn’t let go.
Going to sleep would mean a long night ahead,
and no child wants to spend Christmas Eve in bed!
Every little girl knows Santa will come,
if she just listens to her daddy and mom.
So off I went into a bed tucked with care,
lying awake and listening for Santa I dared!

When I awoke, my mother was whispering in my ear,
“Wake up Shauna Rae, it’s Santa Claus, he’s here!”
I leaned my ear as far as it would go,
and heard Santa’s sleigh bells on the roof in the snow.
Mom suggested we get up and sneak,
down the stairs to get a quick peek!
I crawled out of bed sure to not make a sound,
peering around corners for Santa to be found.
We snuck down the stairs one at a time,
rounded the bend and found the destination prime.
Behind the old radiator we hid,
and after a few moments Santa came, he sure did!
There he was, unloading the gifts,
with a big read sack over his back he did lift.
My mom and I could not believe our eyes, it couldn’t possibly be true!
Santa was right there, and with quite a lot to do!
He took out the presents and gifts galore,
and didn’t seem to be heading for the door.
But just then, a sudden surprise,
my mom had to sneeze, and it sure caused a rise!
Santa darted his gaze right at our spot,
try as he may he could not hide his shock!
He grabbed his red bag and jumped off the floor,
and sure enough, headed for the door.
Mom had scared away our magical guest,
but from that moment on, I knew I was blessed.
For not just any kid gets to see great ol’ St. Nick,
but me and my mom were the ones he did pick!

The night wasn’t over, not by a long shot.
What child can sleep after seeing Santa on the spot?
So mom and I crept back upstairs and then down,
into the kitchen to tell our story around.
Dad and Grandma were still wide awake,
so we all shared some ice cream and laughed for a break.
Then back into bed for little ol’ me,
so I could wake up and run down to the tree!
There were lots of toys under the tree that year,
Barbies, dolls, crafts, nothing to fear.
But by far the greatest gift I was given that day,
Was this story from little ol’ Green Bay.