T’was the night before Christmas Break was over, and all through our place,

The kids were going full speed, as if in some sort of sugar-induced race.

Their school bags were packed and by the door with the greatest of care,

Mom and dad praying that soon the morning would be here….

__________

The Children had been rambunctious all Christmas Break, rarely going to bed,

And I’ve had a complete body ache that once was confined to my head

Christmas Break had been long, the house felt like a trap,

But on January 2^nd  we’d most certainly be deserving a nap.

__________

Then from one of the bedrooms there arose such a clatter,

“Goodness-Sakes-Alive” what on Earth could be the matter?

To the bottom of the staircase I flew like a flash’

Stepping on small missing toy parts I’d soon throw in the trash.

__________

The moon hidden by dark clouds that threatened snow,

“They’re going to school tomorrow even if it’s 30 below!!!”;

January 2^nd is coming, of that I have no fear,

So I got my wife a glass of wine and myself a beer.

__________

When I was little Christmas Break always went by so quick,

Now I think the calendar is playing some type of trick;

Every long day had become one and the same,

With nary a nap, I’ve only myself to blame.

__________

“Now Kathryn, now Charlotte please don’t make a mess in the kitchen,

No pop-corn, no ice cream or whatever else you are mixin’;

Crayons on the staircase and markers in the hall

And what is that stain on their bedroom carpet I saw?

__________

So very very tired during the week, we wanted to cry,

Please calm down and read a book.  Do you think ONCE they’d comply?

Enough noise and screaming, are there really just the two?

It’s been a long break, thank goodness it’s almost through.

__________

So noisy in the house, it’s like they’d raise the roof,

The police almost brought the dosemeter, in case you needed proof;.

A vacant look in our eyes as we wandered around,

But what joy we’ll have when off to school they are bound.

__________

I’ll dress them up warmly from their head to their foot,

When they’re in school, I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying put!

So happy will we be to have our nice quiet home back,

I might watch ESPN and have a mid-morning snack.

__________

Christmas expenses almost broke us, but yes it was merry,

Please no loose teeth, there’s nothing left for the tooth fairy;

We kept our calm never letting frustration show,

I hope for not many days off school due to snow.

__________

I kept my calm the entire break and gritted my teeth,

Picking up Barbies and Play-Doh and what ever lied beneath;

Forced for two weeks to watch whatever they had on the telly,

And bathing the little one whenever she got smelly.

__________

But now, Christmas Break almost over, I can laugh at myself,

Tomorrow we’ll take down the tree and pack up that damn elf;

A wink to my wife and a shake of my head

Confirming that January 2^nd  morning we’d have nothing to dread.

__________

I’ll speak not a word , enjoying the solitude of work,

Happy the Holidays are over, like UPS and that poor shipping clerk;

We’ll pick up the house and fold all the clothes

And did I mention a nap, oh yeah, I’m gonna doze.

__________

But leave me alone January 2^nd , don’t text me, don’t whistle,

And again, all is ask is for NO EARLY DISMISSAL!!!

I’ll see the kids off to school, watching ‘til they are out of sight,

GET OUTTA MY HOUSE – but I’ll see you both tonight!!!

• Poems