A Single Dad's Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the house.

Shards of wrapping paper lay about as I grouse.

About all the money I’ve spent this season.

With my children tucked in their beds,

I remember the reason.

When out in the kitchen arouse such a clatter.

I hurdled the couch to see what was the matter.

When what to my tired eyes did I see?

Another dozen cookies burnt unrecognizably.

What was I thinking, I’m only one man.

Wrap gifts, bake cookies and fill Jars up with Jam.

Sounds like a job for a woman I fear?

But the girls spend Christmas with Daddy this year.

I can’t let them down I must keep hope alive,

For hours from now.

Old Saint Nick will arrive, or so the kids think.

As I do my best Santa and smile with a wink.

Boy could I really use a drink.

.

Coffee and egg nog and wines of the best.

My favorite drinks and foods to ingest,

Here for the short holiday season.

When cakes and pies outweigh common reason.

Now I know why Saint Nick has a belly.

All those cheese baskets, crackers, cookies and jellies.

I must remain focused for tomorrow’s big day

With five places to visit we’ll be gone all the day.

First to Nana’s then Grandma and Gramps.

Then over to Tessie’s she’s my great Aunt.

Later, I’ll drop the girls off with Mommy.

To open more gifts, a task that’s so daunting.

Wait til you see how many presents’ kids today get.

When I was little I got a Barbie corvette.

Yes that’s it and yes I’m a boy

But “it was on sale” said my Mom oh so coy.

I was hoping I’d opened my sister’s by mistake.

But a Vette is Vette pink, real or fake.

So fill up the carriage it’s a different generation.

Put it on credit with no limitations.

At least until the end of the year.

When Christmas comes back and kicks your rear.

Is this what it’s come to?

A commercially Christmas?

Trying to please and keep up with the Smithers.

I thought Christmas was meant to be celebrated with joy.

Not competing to buy and give the best toy.

Christmas is about giving, family, and love.

A special time of year sent down from above.

So this year as I hang the stockings by the chimney with care.

In hopes my new Xbox will soon be here.

I nestle myself down snug in my bed.

As dreams of Christmases past, dance in my head.

For a moment, I feel like a child again.

Struggling to sleep as I did way back when.

Its morning time and the kids are jumping on me.

Get up Daddy, it’s almost six thirty.

I fight to my feet and then follow them in.

The look in their eyes, the drop of the chins.

As I watch them open their gifts, I’m taken back just a bit.

I smile and relax this makes it’s all worth it.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good night.