'Twas the Day Before Christmas

‘Twas the day before Christmas and I checked my list,

I wanted to make certain there was nothing I’d missed.

Monday evening will be Church then a Swedish smorgasbord.

My family is here and I need to feed the hungry hoard.

I have cheese and crackers for starters, and a baked Brie.

We’ll munch and we’ll talk as we gather ‘round the tree.

There will be herring, two ways, and some fresh shrimp, too,

(Well, as fresh as the markets in Colorado can do.)

I’ll make deviled eggs, Mr. Dreamy says, “Delish”

But I have to admit I don’t particularly care for that dish.

Then we’ll move on to cold meats and a selection of breads

With mayonnaise and mustard and lingonberry spread.

Next come the warm foods, spread out on the buffet

Swedish meatballs, potatoes, and a sausage-onion bake.

Finally we’ll enjoy cookies, apple pie and some treats,

With coffee, and egg nog, and sweet after-dinner drinks.

We’ll open our gifts, one by one so we can see

What everyone’s given to each other, and what's under the tree. 

I hope that each kid gets all that he wishes

I’ll try to ignore the mess and the stacks of dirty dishes.

They’ll have to wait. They won’t go away. 

It’ll be time for bed, as it’s almost Christmas Day.

The stockings are hung on their new stocking hooks

I’ll fill them later when no one can look. 

I think that I’m ready. I think it’s just right.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all happy sights!

Photo by Number One Son
Nikon D90 - Nikkor 50mm f1.4G - Adobe Lightroom 4.2 - 
DxO Optics Pro 8 - Adobe Photoshop CS6

Tucker, I don't care what you say,

just because the hats have points on them

it doesn't mean we are supposed to 

wear them on our noses!