On the night before Christmas

This poem was written by Caroline Wells in 1900
but it could just as easily fit today.
..............
On the night before Christmas there’s something amiss
With your placid, habitual slumber;
You suddenly find that your overworked mind
Is harassed by cares without number.

You are stirred by the thought that the gifts you have bought
Are less than your friends have expected;
And your heart is beset by a nervous regret
That the things were not better selected.

You cannot lie quiet, your brain’s in a riot,
And fears for the dinner oppress you;
The goose may be tough or the cook in a huff,
Or the children’s behavior distress you.

You can’t get your breath, you’re worried to death
Lest the weather may turn out unpleasant
Your eyes ache and burn as you toss and you turn
And think over every one’s present.

That Dresden affair, expensive and rare,
Is really quite wasted on Dora;
And you’re tempted to wish you had given the dish
To Alice or Ethel or Flora.

Dick never will look in that beautiful book,
So you think you’re transfer it to Maisie;
Then you’ll have to give Dick that ebony stick –
But by this time you’re just about crazy.

As you tumble and roll, a feat thrills your soul
Lest some one left out should feel slighted.
Though you doubt if you’re able to seat round the table
The guest you’ve already invited.

The cream may fall short – there’s only a quart —
And some one may keep dinner waiting;
Then the soup will get cold, and Edward will scold,
And give the late guests a berating.

You flounder and sigh – you’re ready to cry –
Coy sleep won’t allow you to win her;
Oh, the night before Christmas holds nothing of bliss,
If you’d asked your relations to dinner.

thank you for sharing this tony, i am no poet but i can appreciate it.

It’s remarkable how a poem written by Caroline Wells over a century ago can still resonate with us today.

The anxieties and stress associated with preparing for Christmas, from buying gifts to worrying about the dinner, are feelings many of us can relate to. It’s a clear indication of the timeless nature of human emotions and experiences.

It’s a great poem and very relatable. I believe this was presented in school when I was in Year 7.

It’s important to remember, Christmas can quickly become a time of stress and worry, when it should simply be a time to spend with family and loved ones.

Nice Poem.