12 Nights Before Christmas

‘Twas 12 nights before Christmas and all through the house,
all creatures were stirring, even the mouse.

Our ornaments and stockings were all hung up last night,
Then Ben found them and broke them or hid them from sight.

Our presents were wrapped in paper, ribbons and sacks,
Then Ben found them and hid them or fed them to Max.

Mom was in a panic and Dad in a rush,
as relatives made plans to come visit us.

Chaos was rampant and moods were quite heavy,
as winter concerts and programs made us all very weary.

The house was a mess and Ben was not well,
The dogs were always barking and Ben liked to yell.

Between breathing treatments and laundry, Mom was quite busy;
she dreamed of the day when life would be easy.

As we shop for presents with our dollars stretched thin,
we have visions of maids, nannies and a lottery win.

But, as Christmas comes near, we cannot lose sight,
of the peace, promise and hope of that night.

We pray that as we lay down for our long winter’s nap,
Peace will fall over us and we will have our sanity back.