Christmas Eve

Is a most magical night:

It is not a night for deep sleep;

There is too much in the air!

Youngsters toss and turn,

Tingling with anticipation:

What will they find under the tree?

What will Santa bring?

They are much, much too excited

To sleep on this special night.

Their parents, too

Find sleep elusive:

Have they provided the right presents?

Will the children be pleased?

Did they remember to buy batteries?

Are dinner plans in order?

In their case, anxiety

Will overcome fatigue to prevent sleep.

Grandparents will also not sleep well,

But not from anticipation or anxiety:

Oldtimers wish to remember Christmases past

Memories, not thoughts of gifts, keep them awake.

Rather than sleep, they wish to replay memories

Of friends and family… gatherings… Christmas dinners.

The loss of a night’s sleep is a small price to pay

To savor the memories of many a past Christmas.

Yes… Few will sleep on this special night;

It is Christmas Eve !!