TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS......
Whereas, on an occasion immediately preceding the Nativity Festival,
throughout a certain dwelling unit, quiet descended, in which would be heard
no disturbance, not even the sound emitted by a diminutive rodent related to
tom, and in form resembling, a rat: and
Whereas, the offspring of the occupants had affixed their tubular,
closely knit coverings for the nether limbs to the flue of the fireplace in
the expectation that a personage known as St. Nicholas would arrive; and
Whereas, said offspring had become somnolent and were entertaining re:
saccharine-flavored fruit; and
Whereas, the adult male of the family, et ux, attired in proper
headgear, had also become quiescent in anticipation of nocturnal inertia; and
Whereas, a distraction on the snowy acreage outside aroused athe owner
to investigate; and
Whereas, he perceived in a most unbelieving manner a vehicle propelled
by eight domesticated quadrupeds of a species found in arctic regions; and
Whereas, a most odd rotund gentleman was entreating the aforesaid
animals bby their appellations , as follows: "Your immediate cooperation is
requested. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen and collective action by you
will be appreciated, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blizen.;" and
Whereas, subsequent to the above, there occured a swift descent to the
hearth by the aforementioned gentleman, where he proceeded to deposit
gratuities in the aforementioned tubular coverings. Now, therefore, be ye
advised: That upon completion of these acts, and upon his return to his
original point of departure, he proclaimed a felicitation of the type
prevalent and suitable to these occasions, i.e., "Merry Christmas to all and
to all a good night."
Author
Allyn Griffin, et al
Birmingham School of Law