This poem is from another mail list. Enjoy Carter Genealogist's Christmas Eve > Genealogist's Christmas Eve > ('Twas the Night Before Christmas) > > '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 letters which said... > "Too bad that the data for which you last wrote > Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat." > > Stacks of old copies of bills, wills, and such > Were proof that my work had become way 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 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 bought gifts to bring good Christmas cheers, > I'd spent time researching those birthdates and years. > > While I was thus musing about my sad plight, > A noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright! > Away to the window I flew in a flash, > Tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash. > > When what with my wondering eyes should appear, > But an overstuffed sleigh and with eight small reindeer. > Up to the house top the reindeer they flew, > With a sleigh full of toys and ol' Santa Claus, too. > > And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof > The prancing and pawing of each tiny hoof. > As I drew in my head, and bumped into the sash, > Down the cold chimney fell Santa - KER-RASH! > > "Dear" Santa had come from the roof in a wreck, > Tracking soot on the carpet, (could've wrung his short neck)! > Spotting my face, ol' Santa could see > Christmas spirit was lacking in little ol' me. > > He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work > And filled all the stockings, (I felt like a jerk). > Here then was Santa, who'd brought us such 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 Pled. > "I know what it's like to have Rooter's 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! > So these special treats I am able to bring > To genealogy folk who can't find a thing." > > "Now off you go to your bed for a rest, > I'll clean 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!" > > > - Author Unknown > Modified by Terri Lamb >