A Merry Little Christmas and a Very Special Day in Verse

'Twas the night before Christmas,

and we all had to wait,

Nana, Papa and Tutu were here,

but Auntie Lili was late.

We filled our tummies with eggnog

and pupus galore,

And began to celebrate the instant

we heard that knock at the door.

She had finally arrived,

sweet kisses she blew,

Then to the tree for the Christmas Story,

and opening a few presents too! New Christmas Eve jammies,

as Conlin tradition.

Happily received,

a welcome addition!

Mint brownies and milk for Santa,

And some feed for the deer.

Glitter, oats and mixed birdseed,

on lawn was scatt-eerd.

With the kids tucked in tight

we grown-ups were set

To eat a feast fit for kings;

a great Christmas Eve fete!

Next we gathered to wrap gifts,

open a few presents more.

Then watch It's a Wonderful Life,

which is never a bore.

To bed we all went,

knowing Santa would come

And bring us some joy,

a-rum-pa-pum-pum.

In the morning kids woke

with excitement and cheer.

The grown-ups did join them,

glad Christmas was here!

There were Legos,

and race tracks,and Wii games,

and meat. Also jewlery of shells,

and homemade crafts, oh-so-neat!

And more homemade gifts,and then again more,

What's better than that?

It's what Christmas is for!

With bows on our heads

we were feelin' all right,

Then ate ourselves stuffed.

Mmmm, Aebelskiver delight!

Even dear Ruby

got in on the fun. There was a moment like this:

well...maybe more than one.

There were quite a few tackles

and more than one tickle.

And Zach was the first to find

the green Christmas pickle.

It was a Christmas to remember,

playing with toys old and new.

But the best gift of all

was being with you (and you, and you, and you....).

After Chirstmas we went

for a tour of The Springs.

Manitou, G of G,

and other beautiful things.

And then the goodbyes,

Papa and Tutu, oh no!

Next, bon voyage, Auntie Lili,

to London she go.

Did you think the rhyming

would come to an end?

Ha! You're not so lucky!

I have long wind!

Grandma and Grandpa arrived.

Yes, that woman is my mother.

Here's Grandma and Zach,

without nary a brother.

They had come for a visit,

but more than just fun.

We had a special day waiting

for our first-born son.

It was a day we'll remember

all our lives and then more,

Seeing our dear Zach get baptized,

joyful tears sure did pour!Oh, Zach, we are so proud

of the choice that you've made.

You are an inspiration to many,

don't let that spirit fade.

From tiny, sweet baby

all snuggled in arms,

To eight-year-old boy

full of goodness and charm.

A new towel to dry you

after your baptism is through.

You're all clean and pure white,

much life before you.

You will never walk this earth

without us all near,

And the Holy Spirit to guide--

stand tall, without fear.

How can we express

how much we love you?

You are our son,

and a son of God too.

The days have now passed

relaxing and calm,

A little bit of fever

soothed with mama balm.

We love this time of Christmas

even when it's not white.

Our family around us,

all snuggled in tight.