‘Twas the night before Christmas … and then what happened?

Christmas means something different to everyone, and here at Farm and Dairy we’d like to know what Christmas means to you — in poetry.

Few things evoke the joy, peace and warmth of Christmas like the poem A Visit From St. Nicholas. We’d like you to re-write the first four lines of the poem, using your own words to describe the holiday season — it can be humorous, dramatic, poignant, nostalgic or inspirational, it’s up to you!

Here’s an example:

Here are the first four lines of the original poem:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

Here’s a sample of what we are looking for from our readers:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, I was sipping my tea

When suddenly I remembered I had a frozen turkey!

I sprang from my perch, yanked the bird from the freezer

A ham would be easier, why couldn’t it be Easter?

Your submissions will be posted on the Farm and Dairy website or published in the Dec. 20 issue of Farm and Dairy.

Submissions will be accepted through Dec. 11 by 5 p.m. Mail them to Farm and Dairy Christmas, P.O. Box 38, Salem, OH 44460 or email twardle@farmanddairy.com.

Include your name, hometown and phone number for verification.