christmas with kids

T'was the night before Christmas⁠
And all through the houses with kids⁠
Moms and dads won't hit the hay⁠
Until they each place a bid

About which child will wake
Before the sun rises up
A quiet home becomes rowdy
⁠Before mom sips her first cup

⁠The fun governors fend off⁠
The little rascals as they swarm⁠
The Christmas tree like it's prey⁠
Anxiously waiting to perform⁠

⁠As the kids open presents⁠
Their tiny faces have a gleam⁠
And dad proudly says you're welcome⁠
For gifts he's never seen⁠

⁠Everyone acting so tender
Which is why Santa came, right?⁠
Sweet, innocent angels⁠
Means a morning free from fights⁠

⁠Ha! Once gifts are unwrapped⁠
And there's a huge paper mess⁠
Kids must tell themselves⁠
That Santa is having his rest⁠

⁠Ma and Pa try their best to⁠
Keep a jolly mood in the home⁠
While the children argue over
Silly dollar-store foam⁠

⁠Although we may prefer to
Wear PJ's all day long⁠
It’s off to see loved ones
Humming to old Christmas songs⁠⁠

Dad loads the trunk of the van
With presents mom bought and wrapped⁠
She ensures they look festive⁠
And has the entire day mapped

The holiday drinks are up next⁠
Of course, sweet and savoury snacks⁠
Several giant cheek kisses⁠
And hugs with a pat on the back⁠

⁠Every place the fam visits⁠
Has the host pleading they stay⁠
But with more houses to hit⁠
They're like St. Nick on his sleigh

⁠The group makes it back home⁠
Kids go to sleep without a fight⁠
Mom and dad decompress⁠
And fall into bed for the night⁠⁠

As exhausting as it is⁠
There is truly no better day⁠
Than December 25th⁠
When the world’s jolly and gay⁠

⁠And, of course, with little ones⁠
It is even that much more fun⁠
Since mom and dad are sure to miss⁠
Our days as Santa when they're done