A Genealogist’s Christmas Eve
anonymous
‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the
house
not a
creature was stirring, not even my spouse.
The dining room table with clutter was spread
with
pedigree charts and with letters which said:
“Too bad about the data for which you wrote.
It
sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat.”
Stacks of old copies of wills and the such
were
proof that my work had become much too much!
Our children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while
visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.
And I at my table was ready to drop
from
work on my album with photos to crop.
Christmas was here, and of such was my lot
that
presents and goodies and toys I’d forgot.
Had I not been so busy with grandparent’s wills,
I’d
not have forgotten to shop for such thrills.
While others had bought gifts that would bring Christmas cheer,
I’d
spent time researching those birthdates and years.
While I was thus musing about my sad plight,
a
strange noise on the lawn gave me quite a fright!
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
tore
open the drapes and yanked up the sash.
When what to my nearsighted eyes should appear,
but an
overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer!
Up to the housetop the reindeer they flew
with a
sleigh full of toys and ol’ Santa Claus, too.
And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
the
prancing and pawing of thirty-two hoofs.
The TV antenna was no match for their horns;
And
look at my roof with hoof-prints adorned!
As I drew in my head and bumped it on the sash,
down
the cold chimney fell Santa –Kee-RASH!
Dear Santa had come from the roof in a wreck
tracking
soot on the carpet - I could just wring his neck!
Spotting my face, good old Santa could see
I had
no Christmas spirit, you’d have to agree.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
and
filled all the stockings. (I felt like a jerk!)
Here was Santa, who’d brought us such gladness and joy
when
I’d been too busy for even one toy.
He spied my research on the table all spread
“A
genealogist!” he cried. (My face turned all red.)
“Tonight I’ve met many like you,” Santa grinned
as he
pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.
I gazed with amazement – the cover it read
“Genealogy
Lines for Which You Have Pled.”
“I know what it’s like as a genealogy bug,”
he
said as he gave me a great Santa hug.
“While the elves make the sleighful of toys I now carry,
I do
some research in the North Pole Library!
A special treat I am thus able to bring
to
genealogy folks who can’t find a thing.”
Now, off you go to your bed for a rest –
I’ll
clean up the house of this genealogy mess.”
As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee,
I
looked back at Santa who’d brought much to me.
While settling in bed, I heard Santa’s clear whistle
to his
team which then rose like the down of a thistle.
I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight,
“Family
history of fun! Merry Christmas! Good Night!”
**************************************
Reprinted from the Michigan Historical Magazine at
the website,
www.aspiring-community.com/file/genealogy.
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