Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 December 1943 — Page 2

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of suger plums danced in their heads; And Mamma in her kerchief, and | in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter, | sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window | flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a luster of midday to objects below; When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, | knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, : And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.

"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer! Now, Vixen! On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donder! and Blitzen! To the top of the porch, to top of the walll Now, dash away, dash away, desh away, all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly. When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So, up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of toys—and St. Nicholas, tool

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And then in a twinkling | hear on the roof, The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As | drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

s eyes how they iwinkled! His dimples how merry! cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherryl lite mouth was drawn up like a bow the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

He was chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf And | laughed when | saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye, and a twist : Soon gave me fo know | had nothing to dread.

He sprang to his sleigh, And away they oll flew

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

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