This from the QLD mailing list. Enjoy! > > "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" - For Genealogists > > '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. > It sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat." > Stacks of old copies of wills and of 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 time researching those birthdates and years. > While I was thus musing about my sad plight, > A strange noise on the lawn gave me such a fright. > > Away to the window I flew in a flash, > Tore open the drapes and I yanked up the sash. > When what to my nearsighted eyes should appear, > But an overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer. > > Up to the housetop the reindeer they flew > With a sleigh full of toys, and ol' Santa Claus, too. > And then in a twinkling, 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 my roof, with hoof-prints adorned! > As I drew in my head, and bumped it on the sash, > Down the cold chimney fell Santa - KEE-RASH! > > Dear Santa had come from the roof in a wreck > And tracked soot on the carpet! I could just wring his 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 sleighful 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 of 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! Good night!" > >