When I was reading The Night Before
Christmas to my daugher’s kindergarten class. I said to myself, I wonder how many times this classic has been read. Too many for me to even think of, but that got me thinking… And I came up with a thought that I would dust off a previous year’s Christmas Pfenning in hopes that it gets read again! So with no further Ado…
T’was the night before Christmas
And all through the house
The occupants were congratulating each other
For their stimulus, but not me
I’m such a grouch!
The debt level in this country
Has gotten out of control
But I’ve cried wolf for years
And still the spenders are on a roll.
The stockings were hung by the Chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas would seen be there.
My grandkids I hope are all nestled in bed
With visions of PlayStations, and games
Dancing in their heads…
When on my laptop screen I saw such clatter
I had to click on to see what was the matter
$900 Billion more is being printed from thin air
And no one in Washington DC seem to care…
People that don’t make much will soon get a check
Let’s hope it keeps them from becoming a wreck!
I went to the window to yell at the walls
And outside were carolers singing Deck The Halls…
And then with a blink of an eye did appear?
But a miniature sleigh and 8 flying reindeer!
This must be Santa, with gifts for all the girls and boys
I hope he has something for me
And I’m not talking about toys…
I’m hoping that he has cleared the air
Of this virus, and we can get back to life
Instead of going outside on a dare…
I’m hoping that 2021 is full of joy and happiness
So that we can forget 2020
But that will be so difficult, no less…
Now I’ve forgotten all about the markets
And the manipulations, and dots and twits
It’s time for Christmas, and besides those
Things give me the fits!
My grandkids are ready to see what Santa brought them
And I whistled and shouted and called them by name
On Delaney, On Everett, On Braden, and little Evie
To the living room we go to open our gifts
But remember please that the greatest gift of all
Is what we call Christmas Day… When
The Good Lord was born…
So, with all the calamity going on
I sneak out of site,
And say a prayer that this scene can go on forever…
And then I saw Santa and his reindeer, take off
And I heard him exclaim
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
Chuck Butler, Christmas 2020 reprinted 2025
PS… I always include a little message at this time, so here goes..
May the light & warmth of the season bring comfort & joy
To your family and friends this Christmas Season…
Chuck Butler