Hey...that is cute...can I spread it around? Terry At 07:55 PM 12/6/97 EST, you wrote: > >'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 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 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!" > > >