I had a dream last night that I owned a Christmas store on the beach, on some island somewhere off the coast of Georgia. All Christmas stuff. All year round. It was pretty weird. It was summer, and hot as Africa. But I was decorating the new window display, which was pretty much just a big Christmas tree so I was changing out the ornaments. I remember an ice cream truck cruising by and kids in swimsuits chasing back and forth after it. And then there was a big thunderstorm.

I've never understood those stores. How do they survive? I had an aunt who was ornament-obsessed, but I don't think I've known anyone else that might consider shopping for Christmas decorations NOT at Christmastime. But, I guess I kind of like the idea, even though I don't think I'm truly on board. It's like breakfast for dinner, sort of. And I loves me some breakfast for dinner.

So when I woke up, I was thinking about Christmas, and it reminded me that I wrote a Christmas poem this past Christmas that I meant to post, but never did. It was when I was in my creative writing phase. Would you guys mind if, in the spirit of breakfast for dinner, if I post my Christmas poem...super-duper late? (Or you could look at it as super-duper early.) Hope you don't mind. (If you do, please tell me so...nicely, if you will.) Well, here it is:

ODE TO A GREAT CHRISTMAS SURPRISE

'Tis the night before (the night before) Christmas, and all through our houses,
Bill Henrickson's frantic, wrapping gifts for his spouses.

The task is made harder, since he hasn't a clue,
I kid you not, friends, the man's using glue.

The children are nestled, watching Jim Carrey's grinch-ness,
While their father is sweating, all his efforts relentless.

And Barb in her comfers, and I in my sweats,
Had just begun judging whose gingerbread's best.

When out by the pool, an explosion of light,
Like our house had been moved to a runway, at night.

It was blinding, almost, like a flashlight, head on,
We were curious, of course, so we moved to the lawn.

And what, to our wondering eyes, did we see?
But Nicki and Teenie, both smiling with glee.

With the flick of a switch, Teenie turned off the lights,
Then back on they came, to the family's delight.

'Tis a job done well; not a square inch forgotten,
And to fill out the scene, they used snow made of cotton.

There are candy canes and snowmen...I love every bit,
And in the middle of the pool, floated Rudolph, nose lit.

To deserving applause, the two elves took a bow
Then pointed to the roof, for one final "wow."

A classic old Santa, his reindeer and all,
About to take flight, into the winter nightfall.

To Nicki and Teenie, I love you all right,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.

by Margene H.