He's Gonna Find Out Who's Naughty or Nice

THE Christmas party was this evening. The Christmas party that has happened on Christmas Eve ever since I was but a wee lad. Every year we pack more and more family into a hall we eat too much, we talk too much and we leave too early. But alas it is time to get the children all nestled in their beds, time for Mama to put on her 'kerchief and me to don my cap. And for all to get settled in for a long winter's nap. The food as usual was delicious and the desserts were divine. It was a time for the retelling of stories and the catching up with those who are only in town for the holidays. As for naughty or nice... the cousin's kid and my aunt pictured here... they got gifts. The big guy on the other side of the picture box... nothing.

...He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."