On Christmas Eve Tom had a dream
There would be no Christmas this year.
“It’s been canceled,” Father said with straight face,
And somber, Tom stood, as Father came near.

Tracy pouted, “Why not? Can you tell me!
I’ve waited all year for this day.
I have my list all ready for Santa.
I’ve had it ready since May!”

“He’s just kidding, you know,” spoke Amy
“Just look at him.  I have no doubt.”
Yet Father looked serious when he said it.
“Can you tell us what this is all about?”

Father with great authority now spoke,
“He’s tired of flying around.
Santa wanted a little vacation,
And decided to stay on the ground.

“Santa’s reindeer were put out to pasture.
The elves took a long winter’s nap;
And when it was time to hitch up the sleigh,
His eight reindeer had just grown too fat.

“Now Santa decided, ‘It’s just as well.
Those kids have too much already.
I think I’ll retire in Florida,
Just me and my favorite bear, Teddy.’ ”

Tom could no longer keep hold on his tongue,
“You’re teasing us.  It can’t be true.
I saw Santa on TV just last night.
I know he’ll be here.  He’ll show you.”

Then Tom awoke.  It was close to midnight.
Unsure if he had been dreaming,
He shook himself, tiptoed to the window,
Opened the curtains and stood screaming.

Santa was there in the light of the moon;
The stars seemed to dance in the sky.
Tom quieted down just in time to hear
Sleigh bells ringing, and there Santa did fly.

Tom ran from his room, and then down the hall
To the lit tree and in awe spoke,
“Santa has been here.  He didn’t retire.”
With all the raucous the family awoke.

Tracy got a dollhouse all assembled.
Amy got a ten-speed bike.
Mother and father got a new love seat.
Tom got a jam box with headphones and mike.

On Christmas Eve Tom had a dream
There would be no Christmas this year.
He’ll never forget the joy that he felt
When he found out there was nothing to fear.