Sunday, December 24, 2006

Not a creature was knitting...

Twas the night before Christmas
When all through this house
Not a creature was knitting
not even a mouse
The knit stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St Nicholas would soon be there.
The Children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And Daddy in his ‘kerchief, and I in my Hand Knit cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all those hand knit stockings,
then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and no knitting tonight!"
There are no projects on the go...well none that excite me.
I am tired...the hands are resting tonight.
Merry Christmas!

11 comments:

Scoutj said...

Merry Christmas to you too!!

Anonymous said...

Carolyn, you and your Christmas-knitting marathon has been such an inspiration of giving and selflessness. Not to mention how jealous I feel of your family to be receiving such gorgeous handknits. Those tired hands deserve a rest, and a luxurious handknit just for you!

Merry Christmas, and thanks for the pic of such a beautiful family.

Anonymous said...

Happy holidays to your family! You look beautiful in your handknit kimono!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family. I have enjoyed reading your blog over the past few months and stand in awe at the amout of knitting that you do. It has encouraged me to be a lot more focused with my knitting projects. Thank you, and all the best for the new year.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely photo of your family! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and have a good rest

Peg-woolinmysoup said...

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Is that your handknit kimono? WOW!!

Elena said...

Happy and relaxing Christmas to you as well!

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family! You truly are an inspiration, thank you for that. :)

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family! Thank you very much for your blog. I have been enjoying reading your blog for the last one year. Miki (from Tokyo)

Sue said...

Glad that you are taking a short break. You are such a fast knitter, and I am sure your hands will be grateful for a little while. Love the family pic, your boys are growing up so fast, and you look so different with your hair straight too. Hope your family have a lovely holiday.