One Christmas Eve not long ago
I was lying on the rug,
Eating Christmas fare, and feeling rather smug.
The sound of hooves upon the roof woke me from my reverie
“Whoa” came a cry. “Ho, Ho, Ho!”
Do you know what I did see?
Santa coming through the door,
And this he said to me.
This travelling can be tiresome –
Even Santa needs a break.
He stopped, and helped himself
To a slice of Christmas cake.
Put nosebags on the reindeer,
“It’s getting warm out here”
Santa loosened up his collar,
And reached for a beer.
“Before I leave,” said Santa, “I have parcels for your tree.
(That he had gifts for us had not occurred to me.)
He searched the sleigh. “Here they are!
I know you’ll use them carefully.”
When you see that box stamped Friendship
Beneath your Christmas tree
Count yourself as fortunate and blessed – believe you me.
It’s a gift that brings compassion – and responsibility.
It’s a gift not given lightly, when unwrapped it gives such pleasure.
It’s the same in every country –
A truly national treasure.
Pressed down and brimming over, always given in full measure.
Laughter – a tin of polish for dark and gloomy days
Take care you choose the proper one, wrapped in the correct way.
Make sure how you unwrap it – you do well to be suspicious
Laughter must be happy – it must never be malicious.
For cancer, and the refugees, I have boxes of support.
Small, but constant. They are all so heartened by the knowledge of this thought.
For all the disadvantaged (here Santa shed a tear)
We need more understanding, it’s in short supply this year.
Many gifts to many countries I deliver this Christmas night.
A reindeer whinnied. “Goodness!” said Santa.” I really must take flight!”
He cocked an eye. “This beer is not bad.
Can I take some? Is that alright?”
“Here’s a bottle of Christmas Spirit. All you need is a shot glass.
The glow you will receive from it just cannot be surpassed.
Gather families, gather friends, out in your Australian sun
And share it out amongst you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
By Heather Veal