'Twas a Week Before Christmas

'Twas a week before Christmas

when I looked through the house

Nary a gift has been bought

and I feel like a louse.

The stockings were all stuffed 

in a box by my bed

If they notice I'll tell them, 

"We'll wear them instead!"

My children have wrestled 

with the loss of their dreams

"Our mother's The Grinch"

they agree, so it seems.

When out in the kitchen 

I heard such a clatter

I ran in to ask my son

"What is the matter?"

"You won't cook a turkey,

Grandma's coming, you know!

It's all up to me now

You've sunk mighty low."

I squirmed and I stewed 

and I felt kind of bad

But that bird is so life-like

it's all kind of sad.

"I'll cook the potatoes!

I'll whip up some dressing!!

We'll fix it all up

and we'll count all our blessings!"

My son shook his head

and turned with a jerk.

"Mom's not only a Grinch ...

she's a real piece of work!"

I went to my room 

and hid under the covers

"Don't call 'til it's over

and please feed your brothers."

He cooked and he puttered

and it smelled kind of tasty

So I peeked out my head 

and said, "I was hasty".

"I can still help you out -

I will wash all the dishes"

He said that would be fine

if I gave him three wishes.

I nodded my head

and I quivered in fear.

"What do you ask for?"

(what would I hear?).

"I wish you were happy

in spite of yourself.

Take your lead from the big guy

Santa, himself. 

He helps and he smiles,

his work makes him happy.

Now get over yourself

Stop being so sappy!"

Wish number two 

is to simply take part -

just do what I do

and cook from your heart.

Picture it now - 

we are all at the table.

It is not fiction, 

a tale or a fable.

This is our family - 

we are in this together.

For better or worse

Wherever, whenever.

Wish number three

is to get up and get moving.

You still have a week left

Now get up and get grooving.

All hope is not lost

There's a little time left

There's no need 

to just sit here and act all bereft.

It isn't over yet

I'm wasting my time

Sitting here thinking of

words that will rhyme.

I better get busy now

there is no time to waste

One more sentence to go

I will write it in haste.

I shouted with glee

as I wrote off this night,

"Happy Christmas to All ...

and to all a Good Night".