The Griswalds have Arrived.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

[Only momentarily not stirring. I had cheese & thus their FULL attention]

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

[Kids' stockings carefully cropped out because of the Crazies]

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

[Those aren't sugar-plums, those are the

 boy's seizure-inducing personal Christmas tree lights]

 [Here's a better shot - the Gingerbread man is from last year; the Santa is an upside down hand. Clever Kindergarten teachers!  Whatever will they think of next? 
Though I'm not clear why my son appears to have two thumbs]

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

[Or been stuffed & mounted on the wall but, you know, same difference]

 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

[Where I promptly froze my butt off because it was SO STINKING COLD.

No, it's not 3:48, we can't get it set to the right time zone. Really was 5:48 -
which is still early but that's mommy's Quiet Time]

to be continued...