When I was Seven Years Old...True Story from Christmas 1971

Twas the night before Christmas,
and Timothy thought,
"I'll stay up and spy Santa
without being caught!
If he uses the chimney for delivering his wares
I can see him quite clearly from the top of the stairs!"
The hours crept by and our Timothy dozed
Until something unusual tickled his nose.
His eyes slowly slitted and opened up slow
And he saw a man's outline in the fireplace glow.
It was smoke from a pipe that had wakened our Tim
But he knew at a glance who was right before him!
It was Santa, yes, Santa bending down by the tree.
Leaving toys and full stockings for the Hogan children three.
Our young Timothy freaked!!
And he ran to his bed.
He pulled all of the covers up over his head.
Fast asleep in case Santa had spied him as well.
It was smoke from his pipe, I remember the smell.
For I was the boy who had stayed up to see
And I'll never forget who appeared before me.
For I heard him exclaim as I dove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!"