This appeared on another list: Possum > > 'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house > > Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse. > > The dining room table with clutter was spread > > with pedigree charts and with letters which said... > > "Too bad about the data for which you wrote > > Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat." > > Stacks of old copies of wills and the such > > were proof that my work had become much too much. > > Our children were nestled all snug in their beds, > > While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. > > And I at my table was ready to drop > > From work on my album with photos to crop. > > Christmas was here, and of such was my lot > > That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot. > > Had I not been so busy with grandparents' wills, > > I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills. > > While others had bought gifts that would bring Christmas cheer, > > I'd spent my time researching those birth dates and years. > > While I was thus musing about my sad plight, > > A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright. > > Away to the window I flew in a flash, > > Tore open the drapes and I yanked up the sash. > > When what to my wondering eyes should appear, > > But an overstuffed sleight and eight small reindeer. > > Up to the housetop the reindeer they flew, > > With a sleigh full of toys, and 'ole Santa Claus, too. > > And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof > > The prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs. > > The TV antenna was no match for their horns, > > And look at our roof with hoof-prints adorned. > > As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash, > > Down the cold chimney fell Santa--KER-RASH! > > "Dear" Santa had some for the roof in a wreck, > > And tracked soot on the carpet (I could wring his short neck!). > > Spotting my face, good old Santa could see > > I had no Christmas spirit you'd have to agree. > > He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work > > And filled all the stockings (I felt like a jerk). > > Here was Santa, who'd brought us such gladness and joy; > > When I'd been too busy for even one toy. > > He spied my research on the table all spread > > "A genealogist!" He cried! (My face was all red!) > > "Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned, > > As he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned. > > I gazed with amazement-the cover it read > > "Genealogy Lines for Which You have Plead." > > "I know what it's like as a genealogy bug," > > He said as he gave me a great Santa hug. > > While the elves make the sleigh full of toys I now carry, > > I do some research in the North Pole Library." > > "A special treat I am thus able to bring, > > To genealogy folks who can't find a thing. > > Now off you go to your bed for a rest, > > I'll clean up the house from this genealogy mess." > > As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee, > > I looked back at Santa who'd brought much to me. > > While settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle > > To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle. > > And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight, > > "Family History is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!" >