On the last evening, when I did retire

My mind was too active, could not tire

Lifted myself up, immersed in a hot bath

Soaked for awhile, considered the tasks



Ahead of me in just a few short weeks

Must get my sleigh ready and at its peak

Then have all those reindeer sprung free

Take them out for a run, new shoes - see



Dig out a few of those old burlap sacks

Plus my red gear, black boots and tack

Get in shape, and lose a few extra pounds

Or in chimneys I'll be stuck - too big around



So much going on - buzzing around in head

The season is almost here, not in good stead

Will have to get out my long curly white beard

And have it groomed well so I'll not be feared



So many things to think of - finally got up again

Came down to kitchen to make some cocoa plain

No milk or cookies, marshmallows or any sugar 

Just hot water and chocolate powder in a mug'r



Then a quick trip over to my window on the world

To keep myself company as I sip it and gently unfurl

"No new messages on the server" it blinks back at me

'Tis a shame nobody else is yet thinking about trees



They will soon though, as it's only 45 days from now

When they do, I shall expect letters from every town

Besieging me to bring Johnny or Linda this and that

And please don't forget to bring something for our cat



So many to think about who have made this past year

A joy to behold ... as I have listened with many a tear

So much wonder has befallen souls all over the planet

They must all be rewarded - too, Jimmy and little Janet



I'll have to get out my list book and then check it through

So many wonderful people to remember ... you and you

Must take a sip of my chocolate as I mull over in my mind

All those wonderful people I've crossed paths with in a kind



Of silent stupor - even though I've registered them too well

They've all meant different things to me, but I'll never tell

My sack will have all kinds of goodies there to spread out

Amongst all the people who remember me from our bouts



Oh, yes ... it shall be quite fun to deal square on with all this

I'll now have to make a new cocoa mug or something I'll miss

My mind has gone into third gear as I've envisioned the scene

So many people I'd like to please with my smile and its beam



In front of which will be held out words carved on colored paper

Sent out with good wishes and perhaps loving notes to shape'r

Greetings from all of us little people here at the North Pole ...

May you have a very wonderful and happy holiday - 

                                             with love from a jolly old soul



- tristram (aka St. Nick)

4am Monday 11/10/97