FReeper Canteen ~ The Night Before Christmas ~ 21 DEC 2010

Serving The Best Troops And Veterans In The World!! | The Canteen Crew

[laurenmarlowe]

 

 

 

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

 

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Please visit our Troops this Holiday Season!

United States Army

United States Coast Guard

United States Marines

United States Navy

United States Air Force

Write A Letter To Our Troops

 

 

 

[laurenmarlowe]

Happy Holidays to you MEG!

[SandRat]

Thank you.

I want to scream, but I can’t cause it’s not allowed.

I have to be the tower of strength and calm hand on the tiller.

[luvie]

Good evening ((((Lauren))))

What an adorable thread...you worked so hard!

I hope you will get to slow down a bit now that the holidays
are near! Are you going to get to make a trip to the East to
see the kids?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

[MestaMachine]

[laurenmarlowe]

Beautiful MA, thank you!

God Bless All Our Troops and Veterans

[luvie]

Merry Christmas, Hope. You are so loyal to be here every night!

[Kathy in Alaska]

From Xerox ~ Let's Say Thanks to our Troops

Simple. Easy. Involve your kids.
We can each send thanks every single day.

[luvie]

What a sweet story! Thanks for sharing!

[luvie]

?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Families, for your service to our country.

Thanks, unique, for the perfect woohoo.

John Conlee ~ They Also Serve

[Ciexyz]

I remember having to memorize this poem in grade school.

[PROCON]

Family is coming by the Tuesday after Christmas and staying the weekend.

I'll have Christmas with friends.

[oldteen]

Do not let the opinions of others get you down!

Do what you can, when you can, and how YOU want it done!

You were left in charge for a reason! :)

[luvie]

You are loved

[SandRat]

even when the stress is applied by you know who.

[SandRat]

Thanks.. I needed that.

[laurenmarlowe]

Prayers for Peace for you Sand, peace of mind and peace of heart, and a sucessful road ahead.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

[oldteen]

HI D LUVVY! *hugs*

Were you a lady of leisure today? ;)

[AZamericonnie]

Hiya sweetie.....well we were cold & then hot & now waiting for the cool down again...visions of ‘GoldieLocks” coming to mind? LOL