And now, in what has become a tradition of bootlegging, I give you my version of Clement Moore's "'Twas the Night before Christmas."
This year, the topic is as timely as the season. It's a commentary on the never-ending debate of whether or not we can call those lighted evergreens Christmas trees - or sing carols - or just wish each other a Merry Christmas - without offending those who'd rather we treated Dec. 25 like any other day of the year.
Without any further delay:
'Twas a while before you-know-what
When all through the land
Though I prayed that it wouldn't
It slowly began.
At first it was subtle,
Just a hint of discord.
Then, all of a sudden,
Stories, articles and billboards.
In what can only be described
As an annual battle
Some disbelieving souls
Are again really rattled.
They seek to remove
The word Christ from this season
And continue their argument
That faith's beyond reason.
The fact of the matter
Is sad but it's true
Some disgruntled people
Want this Christmas to be blue.
Maybe it's fear
That we're all just too hearty.
Or maybe it's all of
The fervent tea parties?
But, for whatever reason
And whatever the grounds
There are those claiming
Christmas is way out of bounds.
So they call it myth
Or a joke or a story
When the lot of us knows
About true Christmas glory.
It's about peace and love
And good will toward all.
It's about being grateful
For the grace, big and tall
Which was sent down from heaven
To save you and I
Through the birth of a baby
Whose truth will not die.
It's odd, Christmas haters
Are selective in their rage
Because Hanukkah, Kwanzaa,
And other holidays seem safe
From the zeal and the fury
With which Christmas is assailed.
And yet, despite it all
Our celebrations prevail.
So, we'll sing Christmas carols,
Erect nativity scenes.
We'll make joyful noises;
We'll always believe.
Take heart Christmas lovers!
And to those so unglued
We just wanted to say
That we'll pray for you!
Merry Christmas, everyone! Oh, and happy birthday to my big sis today!
Kimerer is a Tribune Chronicle columnist. Contact her at pkimerer@zoominternet.net.