'Twas the Nightcap Before Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmaswhen all through the housenot a creature was stirring,not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care - in hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were manicBut at last fell asleep.Now Mom and Dad wallowedin presents knee deep. They should have been sleepingand yet they were wrappinga huge pile of gifts -now Mom started flapping . Dad suggested a sherry some eggnog'"To keep us both going'",in the cozy front roomwith the firelight a-glowing. '"It will keep us both warmand it's festive,'" Dad said.

'"A tipple at Christmas,a cuddle in bed?'" Then one more, why not!'"'Tis the season, it's fun!'"Oo, live a little, Dad!Let your hair down, Mom! She slid on those stockings hung up with such care,'"St Nick'" produced bottles from the cabinet there. '"Aren't there vitamins in whiskey?And minerals in rum?Anti-wotsits whatsits and radicals?'"'"Yeah! Come on!'" said Mom. Dad stuck on elf ears,all the better to prance,Mom leapt on the sofafor a tango dance. The plate of Snickerdoodles galore made them thirsty for more.Then it wasn't just crumbs on the sitting room floor . Neatly hung tinselmade a boa for Mom,Dad balanced baublesin a line down his tum. She giggled, he strutted,they can canned some more.At midnight they collapsedin a heap by the door.

Then three o'clock came!Now a quarter to four!Mom began mincinground Dad on the floor. The eggnog was swiggedand so was the rum.They'd knocked back the Baileys,the port for Dad's mom. Santa's eggnog demolished, they'd gobbled his pies.When the Big Man pitched up, well, what a surprise! The next snowy morning shone radiant and bright.Downstairs ran the childrenand squealed at the sight! Mom and Dad snuggled asleep on the sofa,a blanket tucked round them,their long night now over. Mom's eyes flickered open,she winced their antics -the drinking, the dancing,no wrapping, Romantics! She shrieked! Dad groaned!But what was this sight?No trace there remainedof that extraordinary night! The room was now decked with a sprinkling of snow,an abundance of hollyand bunched mistletoe! A short note from Santabade them Happy New Year, with rewards for good deedsand much Christmas cheer. Amazement, relief,'"What on earth--?'", disbelief!The rapture! Guffaws!The coyness! Applause! No end to their joy on that yuletide morn,Mom and Dad grinned as they stifled a yawn.

Restored and revived with their merriment of old,Mom laughed and was gay,Dad was funny and bold. So never doubt Santa! Trust he will come!But do avoid mixingport, eggnog and rum!.