"T'was the night before Christmas
and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse."
Perhaps not the most well known words in the English language, but I suspect, darn close. Though I have no hard evidence, I am certain that there hasn't been a more parodied poem. In fact, I reckon that it is right up there with "Roses are red" as the most recognized first lines in poetry.
In Wikipedia alone, there are 28 adaptations or parodies listed, and that isn't even taking into account the numerous newly illustrated copies of the original poem and the countless variations that make their way around the internet each year. (did I mention the many different titles too?!?)
My favorite parody of course is the Librarian's Night Before Christmas
, but you can also find one for most any occupation and of course a spectacular pop-up edition by a former school mate of mine. I actually found my favorite version
on the net. It feels good to know that someone else knows of this book. They can get enjoyment from it too.This year when my daughter and I were getting out our Christmas decorations, I found my book nestled safely in it's box, right on top of my 1970's edition of A Charlie Brown Christmas
. I can't help but smile when I see the cover. Every year for as long as I can remember, I have either read that book or had the book read to me. When the pages open, I can feel myself sitting with my dad in his big arm chair, the warmth from the fireplace touching my cheek; the smell of mom's candles filling the room.Even when for a mere $10 I can purchase a copy that looks "never used", why would I want to?! I love my book! Just as with an elder loved one, my book has earned every wrinkle and crease it has. So what if you need to gingerly open it, and be careful of the torn spine, the words are still there, and the smiling Santa shown smoking away on his pipe, winks knowingly at me.
and 
by Tad Hills for a shared story time that will just quack you up.
or in your local bookstore today!
