Christmas Morn

Twas the night before Christmas
And at my sister's house,
Engorged with food
I lay passed out on the couch.

"Go to bed!" scolded my wife
With a slap to my thigh.
I stumbled up the stairs
And mumbled "Good night."

Within minutes I was drooling
Unconscious in the guest bed,
With flashbacks of dinner
Dancing in my head.

Prime rib and potatoes,
Chocolate ganache in my belly,
That shook when I snored,
Like a bowlful of jelly.

All of a sudden there arose,
Such a clatter to break my peace.
The clock read seven am,
And up were my nephew and niece.

"Merry Christmas!" they exclaimed
To their father and mother.
But Uncle is still sleeping!
Please do not bother.

The ripping of paper,
The excited guffaws!
I'm hitting the "snooze" button
But the noise would not pause!

I dragged myself out of bed
With great determination.
And headed downstairs
To join the celebration.

"Merry Christmas!" was yelled
To which I could only grunt a reply.
I needed some coffee...
Only open was one eye.

Amidst the brightly wrapped boxes,
To my open eye did I see,
The rare sight of a room
Full of my family.

So rare is the chance
That we all get together,
The loss of some sleep
Is well worth the pleasure.

As a boy I received toys,
And now I ask for housewares.
I've learned the meaning of holidays
And it gets more meaningful each year.

Appreciate the gifts,
And moreso the thoughts that are given.
And appreciate those rare days
Spent with the family this seaon.