I am unsure what to write today, a tale from long ago. But I heard this Newfie version of the night before Christmas. So I decided to share it with you! 🙂
Twas the Night Before Christmas – Newfoundland
by Unknown
T’was the night before Christmas, all hands was in bed
Enough noise goin’ on to wake up the dead
Long stockings and vamps were nailed to the wall
With girt four-inch nails so ne’er one would fall.
The youngsters wuz jumping up and down on the bed
T’inkin’ ’bout the presents he hid in the shed
Mudder in the kitchen was washin’ her hair
And I was sot down wit’ a glass full of cheer.
When out in the yard I heard such a noise
I said “Put on the soup-dat must be the boys.”
Away to the window I started to race
Tripped over the two kittens and fell on me face.
The moon and the stars shined down on the snow
It’s s’pose to be that way, ’tis Christmas you know
When what to me bloodshot eyes should appear
But a queer lookin’ Santa ‘nar reindeer.
Long rubbers, red suit, and a beard on his jaws
I said to the missus, that’s not Sanny Claus
When I opened the door to see what was the matter
I seen ‘im climb on the porch wit’ me ladder.
Now the roof of the house was covered with snow
But he sang and he danced and he bawled out “HO, HO”
He tripped up in the chimney when I looked around
I saw him and the chimney squat up on the ground.
He was soot and snow from his head to his feet
But he started to come ’round when he got in the heat
He walked in wit’ me chimney and sot on a chair
And the youngsters started screechin’, “Santa is here!”
There was icicles hangin’ from eyebrows and nose
So he sot by the stove cause his face was half froze,
He took off his boots to warm up his feet
While mudder was fixin’ him somethin’ to eat
With a wink of his eyes and a nod of his head
He ate t’ree bowls of soup and six slices of bread
He spoke not a word ’till he finished his scoff
Said t’anks to the missus, now I gotta take off.
With the side of his finger he wiped off his nose
And asked for a face clot to clean off his clothes,
Sorry ’bout the chimney he said with a laugh
When I fell down on top of ’em, I broke ‘en in half.
He left in a hurry as quick as he came
We never got the chance to ask him his name
But I heard ‘en bawl out as he put on his boot
“Merry Christmas to all and t’anks for the soup!”.
If you know the author, please let me know!! 🙂
Do you have any Christmas tales or a funny poem??
the newfie 