A MOOSE AND SQUIRREL CHRISTMAS By Virtie 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the world Not a creature was stirring, not even the Squirrel; The candles were set about the bedroom with care, In hopes that the Moose soon would be there. Miss Squirrel was nestled all snug in her bed, While visions of little green men danced in her head; Wearing silky pajamas, the only kind she would keep, She had just settled in for a long winter's sleep. When out in the living room, there arose such a clatter, She sprang from her bed to see what was the matter. Off to the hallway she flew, her gun at the ready, Her heart beating wildly, her hands firm and steady. The winter moon's glow through the windows guided her way, Making the living room before her as bright as mid-day. When, what to her wondering eyes did appear, But a man in a Santa suit holding a bottle of beer! Very obviously intoxicated, and not so lively or quick, Squirrel knew right away it wasn't St. Nick! He stumbled into the room, careful not to drop his beer, Then he whistled, and shouted, and called to his imaginary deer. "Now DASHIT! Now DANCIT! Now PRANCIT and VIXEY! On COMICAL! On STUPID! On DODO and BLITZEY! To the top of the ceiling! To the top of the wall! Now dance away! Run away! Fly away all!" Now Squirrel had stopped in shock upon seeing this sight, And had ducked into the shadows, feeling high as a kite. Controlling her laughter, she lowered her gun, And proceeded to quietly watch all the fun. But then in a twinkling, she had to bite her lip To keep from giggling as she watched 'Santa' slip. Quickly catching himself before he could fall, He carefully set down his bottle on the table by the hall. He was dressed in faux-fur, from his head to his toe, And his coat was wet, his boots covered in snow. The stuffing that made up his belly was flat, And the fake beard was awry, as was his hat. His eyes...how they sparkled, so hazel and bright. His cheeks were red and rosy from the cold winter night. His mouth was nearly hidden by his white, hairy mask, But Squirrel could still see his lips as he set about his task. With a smile he reached into his hip pocket with care, And pulled out a small box, its wrapping simple but rare. With a sigh, he adjusted his belly and turned toward the hall, Only to stop suddenly when he saw Squirrel standing next to the wall. "What are you doing here," she asked, her eyes sparkling with tears, "Drunk and dressed like Santa?" Her voice was filled with fear. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice as thick as porridge. "The beer was to give me a little liquid courage." With that, he stepped toward her, his path straight and true. He handed her the box. "Here, this is for you." As she opened the package, her heart started to sing, And a smile lit her face when she saw the diamond ring. "Is this what I think it is?" She asked in one breath. Moose nodded his head, but he seemed scared to death. "Why like this?" she asked, her eyes aglow. "It was the only way I could find the guts to let you know." Slipping the ring on her finger, Squirrel let out a happy sigh, Then she grabbed Moose's hand, not letting the moment pass by. The candles glowing in her bedroom made a beautiful sight, As she thought, "Happy Christmas to all, and to us...a good life." The End Merry Christmas, everyone!