The day before Christmas 21st century

'Tis the day before Christmas

'Tis the day before Christmas
and all through the house
everyone is stirring
even a mouse.

The kids are at it,
screaming and more
carol singers sing out
then knock on the door.

The phone joins in
springing to life
Husband’s still shopping
it’s a message for wife.

There are no turkeys
anywhere to be found
he is trawling the shops
going round and around.

Mum goes back,
to yet more chores,
as the kids race round
slamming the doors.

The day continues
going from bad to worse,
Christmas or not
out slips a curse.

But in due course
the kids go to bed,
sleep is evasive,
Santa fills a child's head

The adults now have
to creep up and down,
helping Santa leave gifts,
without one small frown.

Finally they too
go to their bed
straight to sleep,
the sleep of the dead.

Two hours later,
or so it seems,
the kids are awake,
they can hear from their screams.

“Look what he’s brought me”,
shout Kerry and Pete,
whilst poor Mum and Dad,
simply wish for more sleep.