With all the cards mailed and all the shopping done, apparently I have too much time on my hands now.
"Twas the Night Before Nachmas"
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all round the house
Not a misfit was stirring, not even a mouse.
The tree was all lit, the stockings were hung.
The presents were wrapped, the carols all sung.
The kids were all tucked up snuggly in bed
And we’d dozed off among gifts wrapped in red.
When out on the lawn rose a blast and a rumble.
I sprang from the bed with a lurch and a grumble.
I flung the door open, and the shock laid me low.
Four lads and a lass, stood in white falling snow.
They wore matching plaid kilts, and boots on each foot.
“We skipped the chimney, to spare dirty soot.”
“We’ll come in the front door,” one said with a smile.
“That roof is too steep, the height is a mile.”
They passed me by, stomping snow off their boots
My mouth hung open. I had become quite mute.
‘Twas Albannach wandering, so lively and quick,
All round my house, definitely not old St. Nick.
Colin popped CDs in the hung stockings with flair
And left hoodies for us under the tree with care.
Jacquie sung a lullaby to my rousing wee brood
And Donnie offered to play to set a festive mood.
I thanked him and asked that he play very softly
So the family could continue to sleep very soundly.
Meanwhile Aya and Jamesie the fridge they were looting,
Plate of cookies in hand, some snacks they were chewing.
They came back with Heinekens and PBR beer.
“Better than milk,” they said, “for bringing us cheer.”
I blinked my eyes knowing I must be asleep
As the crew made for the door, making nary a peep.
“Am I dreaming?” I asked as on the lawn they stood round.
“Aye!” said Jamesie as he passed with a bound.
With a rumble of thunder once more from their drums
And a soft croon from bagpipes, like a musical poem.
With a gentle song sung like from a angel above,
They bid Season’s Greetings with much Scottish love.
Their music drifted off onto the cold winter air
And I could only wave in wonder and after them stare.
And I heard them exclaim as they vanished from sight-
“Merry Nachmas to all, and to all a good night!”
