‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were bulging, their toes showing wear,
Full near to bursting, weight too great to bear. 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With piles of toys threatening to fall on their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my sweatpants,
Had just hunkered down to clean up this mess. 

When out on the town there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sofa to see what was the matter.
Away to the screen I flew like a flash,
Double-clicked Amazon and counted my cash. 

I Googled some words, like “local” and “need”
And retrieved many hits in lightening speed.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a list of families whose needs were so clear. 

We pondered the issue, then loaded the car,
With Barbies and board games, glow-in-the-dark stars –
All of the presents that first had been chosen
As gifts for our friends, and for our friends’ children. 

We grabbed all the packages, ribbons and bows,
And gave them to the church, for surely they know
Which families with children just cannot afford
Gifts of this scale, barely missed from our horde. 

To all of our friends, so equally blessed,
With ample good fortune and bulging toy chests,
These items were given so that others might
Have a “Happy Christmas to all, and to a good-night!”

By Amy Lively