The Night Before the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before the night before Christmas and at the North Pole
the elves were all bagging up presents and coal.
All were preparing the red Christmas sleigh,
making ready for flight the very next day.

The reindeer were resting in soft, grassy beds, 
while dreams of crisp carrots danced in their heads.
Their coats had been washed and their hooves shone like brass.
Rudolf's bulb had been replaced with Venetian glass.

Then the youngest elf entered in such a hurry.
All stopped to see why he was in a great flurry.
"Drop all your tools," Little Elf cried,
"Christmas is ruined for Santa has died!"

The workshop was silent, not a sound could be heard.
No one knew what to say, not one single word.
Santa had been around for all time;
the end of his life was a terrible crime.

And together they realised that without their gifts
the spirit of Christmas would surely be missed.
The whole of the workshop went into a panic.
Poor Great Grandpa Elf looked close to manic.

On Christmas morning no joy would there be,
as all would be empty under the tree.
Not only hailing Christmas' end, 
they'd also just lost their dearest friend.

They woke up the reindeer and called them nearby, 
so all could have comfort and openly cry. 
For Jolly Saint Nick, the group mourned together,
remembering the man that they'd worked with forever.

They gathered around the fire and sung
Santa's favourite carols, each and every one.
They roasted a turkey and carved up a ham
in honour of their beloved fat man.

"Is Christmas about presents?" Little Elf pondered, 
"Or is being with family the day's true wonder?"
All elves agreed, so Christmas would live,
for it wasn't about the goodies they'd give.

Though the loss of their friend would weigh on their hearts, 
they all had each other and that was a start.
So to share their grave news with the world, they prepared,
but a noise from outside got them all scared.

The door handle turned and let out a creek, 
and Great Grandpa Elf gave a high shriek.
For who stood in the doorway dressed all in red,
but the jolly old fat man, supposedly dead.

"What's happening here, have you all seen a ghost?
And why are you all there eating a roast?"
They all turned to Young Elf with inquiring eyes,
"Why, Little Elf, are you telling us lies?"

"I looked in his room, he lay silent and boring.
All know when Santa's sleeping there's always loud snoring!
Thus without hearing a sound, I presumed him dead.
With only two days 'til Christmas, who has time for bed?"

So they returned to working without a care.
Santa lived, and the holiday's magic they'd share.
It would even be fine if some didn't get their whole wish list.

Still, all would be ready for the night before Christmas.