The night before Christmas . . .

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house

All were asleep, apart from me and my spouse.

We were stood in the garden, surrounded by tools

A trampoline in pieces, we were feeling like fools.

"Assemble in minutes" or so the box said,

But two hours later, we were scratching our heads.

The only instructions were written in Dutch

And Google wasn't really helping us much.

We nailed and we bolted, we turned every screw

We hammered and knotted, we guessed what to do.

Finally we finished, the battle was won

But inside the house, there was more to be done.

We still had to build a big yellow bike

A pink dolls house, and a bright red trike.

The night seemed unending as we muttered and grumbled

Our way though the toys we had to assemble.

What had looked in the shops to be fantastic

Turned out to be boxes full of cheap plastic.

Screws were missing, and parts gone awol

The batteries didn't work in the electronic doll.

"Oh darn it, oh bugger," words frequently uttered

"Who bought all this rubbish?" my husband muttered.

We wrapped every item, put bows on each one

The hours were passing, would we ever be done?.

We finally finished, as night turned to dawn

Despite all the coffee, we were starting to yawn.

We put on our pyjamas and turned off the lights

Our eyes quickly closed, we said our goodnights.

But just as my husband started to snore

I heard a light tapping at our bedroom door.

"Oh mummy, oh daddy, you must come down quick

I think we've been visited by good old Saint Nick.".

"Our stockings are stuffed full of lollies and sweets

We've already started eating the sugary treats.

So hurry downstairs, please come straight away

We can't wait to start this Christmas Day.".

I looked at the clock, five thirty it said

As begrudgingly and slowly, We got out of bed.

We stumbled downstairs, I turned on the jug

Putting two spoons of coffee into my mug.

From the living room there came shouts of pure glee

As our three little children looked under the tree.

In a flurry of unwrapping, with many a shout

They excitedly tipped their Santa sacks out.

"Oh look! How fantastic, it's just the right size!

It's just what I wanted, such a perfect surprise!".

I stifled a yawn, tried to be cheerful and merry

Secretly wondering, "is it too early for sherry?".

As I went to the kitchen to heat some mince pies,

I trod on some Lego, it brought tears to my eyes.

I grumbled and groaned about all the mess.

Then my in laws arrived, increasing my stress.

As I carved up the turkey, poured the wine and the beer

I seemed to have lost all my Christmas cheer.

But then a small child, climbed on to my lap

And snuggled up close, as he started to nap.

As I looked at him sleeping, saw his siblings at play

I began to remember why I love Christmas Day.

Being surrounded by family, a gift beyond worth

A time for love, and peace on our earth..

So with my newfound remembrance, for holiday cheer

I wish all our readers, a happy new year.

Where-ever you are, whatever you do

Have a very merry Christmas, and God bless you!

- Ilona Hanne