Editor’s note: Every year at this time, Patty Kimerer puts on her rhyming cap, the one with elf ears, and pens a play on Clement C. Moore’s famous poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” perhaps better known by its opening line, “‘Twas the night before Christmas…” Following is her rendition for 2023.

‘Twas the night before Christmas

When all through the Valley

Everyone was freaking out

From Grandpa to Aunt Sally.

The reason was simple

And quite plain to see

For not all of the gifts

Were yet under the tree.

And so, Mom in her sweater

And Dad in his ball cap

Were both tired and cranky but

Couldn’t squeeze in a quick nap.

Because Christmas 2023

Had crept right up on them

With ‘nary a warning,

Throwing a wrench in their Zen.

OK fine, it is true,

The calendar hung on the wall

And they knew Christmastime

Would come right after fall.

Yet, for whatever the reason

And with what seemed like pure malice

This particular season

Weighed them down like a ballast.

Some can blame it on Biden

Or the rate of inflation

As the sheer cost of everything

Was strong-holding the nation.

So, it’s entirely possible

That somehow this year

The thought of disappointing loved ones

Is a very real fear.

But remember, my friends,

As I’m oft to remind

The true seasonal effort

Is to be good and kind.

For no matter what politics

The naysayers lead us to,

The real Christmas presents

Are an obvious “To Do.”

We should all show to everyone

Much love and compassion.

And the peace of the good Lord

Whose birthday is in fashion.

Don’t forget that it’s Jesus

At the center of it all

Whether you’re praying in church

Or just hitting the mall.

The point is, He’s everywhere

And thank goodness He is.

With His grace and His mercy

For all adults and kids.

So go show some love

To the peeps in your circle

And to everyone else

Whether green, blue or purple!

Kimerer is a columnist with a huge appreciation for Clement Moore. Contact her with your own shameless imitation at pkimerer@zoominternet.net.