This was stolen from somewhere else (as genealogists we have to acknowledge
our SOURCES!)

T'was the night before Christmas when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.
The dining room table with clutter was spread
Stacks of pedigree charts and with letters which said. . .
"Too bad about the data for which you just wrote
It sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."

Stacks of old copies of wills and the such
Were proof that my work had become much to much.
Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And I at my table was ready to drop
From work on my album with photos to crop.

Christmas was here, and of such was my lot
That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot.
Had I not been so busy with my grandparent's wills,
I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills.
While others bought gifts that would bring Christmas cheer;
I'd spent time researching those birth dates and years.

While I was thus musing about my sad plight,
A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the drapes and then yanked up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear?
But an overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer.

Up to the rooftop the reindeer they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys and old Santa Claus, too.
And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs.
Our TV antenna was no match for their horns,
And look at that roof with those hoof prints adorned!

As I drew in my head, slamming it on the sash,
Down the cold chimney fell Santa - KER-RASH!
"Dear" Santa came down looking like a wreck.
Tracking soot on the carpet,(I could wring his short neck!)
Spotting my face, good old Santa could see
That I had no Christmas spirit, you'd have to agree.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk)!
Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy;
When I'd been too busy for even one toy!
He spied my research on the table all spread
"A genealogist!" he cried! (My face burned bright red!)

"Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned.
As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.
I gazed with amazement -- the cover it read
"Those Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Pled."
"I know what it's like being a genealogy bug,"
He said as he gave me a great Santa Hug.

"While the elves make the sleighful of toys that I carry,
I do my research in the North Pole Library!
A special treat I am thus able to bring
To genealogy folks who just can't find a thing.
Now off you must go off to your bed for a rest,
I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess!"

As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,
I looked back at Santa who'd brought so much to me.
While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle,
To his team, then they rose like the down of a thistle.
And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
"Family History is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!"

Merry Christmas Everyone

Steve Hayes
  WWW: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7734/steve.htm
  E-mail: hayesstw{at}yahoo.com 

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