Ah, I can hardly believe that it's already time again for my shameless act of the year: the Patty-ization of Clement Moore's timeless classic, "'Twas the Night before Christmas." Hope you enjoy the 2011 edition!
'Twas the week before Christmas
When all through the land
There were wish, gift and card lists
In everyone's hands.
There was scurrying, worrying
And fretting galore
As all looked around screaming,
"Darn it, we need more!"
Tired bakers checked volumes:
"Yikes - we've only eight kinds!
But to mix, mash or make more
Will drive us out of our minds!"
While Christmas card authors
Were sad and befuddled
"We're behind in our sending,
But we have carpal tunnel!"
And then they were the buyers
Frantically scouring malls.
"We've spent hundreds and hundreds
But fear we still don't have it all!"
Please stop all the madness
And take a deep breath.
We just need to focus
On what gets lost in the mess.
This isn't a race
Nor a contest or chore,
But a time to remember
The day Jesus was born.
I cannot be certain
But do feel pretty sure
That the first Christmas Day
Held a different allure.
In the silence and stillness
Angels sang, a star shined.
There wasn't such silliness;
No one fussed or whined.
A man and a woman
Held their baby boy tight
And knew in their hearts
He had come to make right
All the things that were broken
Through transgressions of man.
And though He was sinless
Christ spread out his hands
And saved the whole world
With His unselfish love
And the ultimate sacrifice
That opened heaven above.
So, the bakers, authors, buyers
And whole countless flock
Should think less about things
And instead ponder the clock.
For none of us knows
How much time we have here;
Let's be kind to each other
And be of good cheer!
Don't freak out if the cookies,
Gifts or cards aren't all perfect.
Just love with all your heart -
It's life's ultimate purpose!
Kimerer is a Tribune columnist. Contact her with good will toward men at pkimerer@zoom-internet.net.