'Twas Friday Night in Lakemont

Alternate Title: Why You Wish You Lived in My Neighborhood
With apologies to Clement Clark Moore or Henry Livingston, or whoever wrote the original

'Twas Friday night in Lakemont --
A night in, you see --
My husband and I
Turned on the TV.

The renovation mess
Would eventually be great,
But it meant no holiday
Decorating to date.

The children were nestled
All snug in their beds,
While visions of presents
Filled up their big heads.

And my husband in sweatpants
And I, in my jammies,
Had just settled down
For some TiVoed programmies.

When out on the porch there arose such a clatter,
Hubby sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.

He peeked out the window, then walked 'cross the floor,
Turned on the porch light and opened the front door.

When, what to our wondering eyes -- not a fright --
But a green pumpkin tree clad in garland and light.

From a fabulous neighbor, so clever and arty,
I knew in a moment it must be Ms. Marty.

More rapid than eagles, she'd smuggled away
The pumpkins on my porch since an October day.

And now it's tradition, we'll hope every year
That our favorite craft elf will bring us this cheer.

As if just her friendship weren't enough,
She does fun things like this and shares tasty stuff.

So we send her, as thanks for all these delights,
A most Merry Christmas and many peaceful nights!
.