Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
And the coats were afloat, from the ghosts in the air 2
With prancing and pawing, from our thoroughbred mare1
Our swimsuits were ready, very poor winterwear1
With the cat keeping watch, awake deep in its lair3
My pistol held ready, while I watched from my chair6