The night before Tea Tuesday

(Note: this post was written for Tea Tuesday last year.  It was and still remains one of my favorite posts.  Therefore, I am posting it again, with a few revisions)

Twas the night before Christmas and Tea Tuesday, too.

When all

through the house,

Not a creature

Was stirring,

Not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung on the sideboard with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

Bleubeard was nestled all snug in his bed,

While visions of kitty toys danced in his head.

When outside my door there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

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.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St Nicholas too.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. 

He'd spotted some eggnog all frothy with foam,

Then stayed for hot cocoa before heading home.

 But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Drop by for tea tomorrow, and have a great night!"