Hi all, Joy got this from another list and I thought I would pass it on to you. Sara > >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 about the data for which you wrote; >Sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat." > >Stacks of old copies of wills and such >Were proof that my work had become 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 busy with grandparents' wills, >I'd not have forgotten to shop for such thrills, >While others bought gifts to bring Christmas cheers, >I'd spent time reserching those birhdates 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 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 'ole Santa Claus, too. > >And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof >The prancing and pawing of thiry-two hoofs, >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 'ole 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 amusement--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 folk 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 his exclaim as he flew out of sight, >"Family history is Fun! Merry Christmas! Goodnight!" > (Author Unknown)