Barely two weeks ‘til Christmas and all through our house,
Decorations are missing, misplaced by some louse.
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care,
But the mantle, the window and table are bare.
 
No fruit cakes, no cookies, no smell of baked goods
No candles are burning of evergreen woods.
The presents are stuffed in a closet somewhere,
In the hopes that the family will each wrap their share.
 
The menu’s been planned, but the food’s to be bought,
And the wine to match dinner is still to be sought.
The cards have been pulled out, but they set on a shelf.
Santa better get hiring, to replace one slacker elf!

Originally published in the December 9 issue of Beyond the Nest’s free weekly newsletter on Arts, Culture and Recreation.