Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The cat toys were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Whiskers soon would be there.
The puppies were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of squeaky toys danced in their heads. And I in my pet bed, and Mama on her lap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the blinds and threw up the sash.
The moon on the snow gave a luster so bright, it lit up the yard on that magical night. And what to my wondering eyes did appear? A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer!
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Whisk. More rapid than greyhounds, his coursers they came, and he whistled and called them by name.
"Now, Fluffy! now, Rover! now, Mittens and Max!
On, Pawsy! on, Tailsy! on, Whiskers and Jax!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall,
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
So up to the housetop, the reindeer they flew, with a sleigh full of treats and St. Whisk too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney, St. Whisk came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his tail, and his coat was all covered in glittering hail.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a pet store just opened its pack. His eyes, how they sparkled! His whiskers, how merry! His nose like a button, his coat oh-so-furry!
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, filling the stockings with a wiggle and a jerk. And laying his paw aside of his nose, giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a shout, and away they all flew like a playful dog's snout. But I heard him exclaim as they vanished from sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!''
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