My sister just sent this, and I thought you might enjoy it. Happy Holidays! Donna > > >>>A Genealogist's Christmas Eve > > > > > > > >> (author unknown) > > > > > > >"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 to 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 forgot. > >> Had I not been so busy with grandparent's 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 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 sleigh and eight small reindeer. > >> Up to the housetop the reindeer they flew, > >> With a sleigh full of toys, and old 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 come from 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 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 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!" > > > > >