‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Dogolas soon would be there; the animals were nestled all snug in their beds… 

Hey, wait, what are you doing there, Mollie?

You can’t wait there in the kindling box, Mollie. Santa will never come down the chimney with you watching like that. Go to bed. Look, there’s Sylvester. Curl up like him in your bed.

And Sam, you and Zoe need to go to bed as well. Go on back to the bedroom.

Zoe, stop looking out the window. You won’t be able to see Santa there. He’ll come around the back of the house and land on the roof.

“Roof!?”

Yes, Zoe, the roof.

There, that’s better.

And you, too, Mollie.

It’s hard to see you there, Mollie, all curled up next to your mama, but if your mama is OK with you lying there, it’s ok with me. And Santa, too.

Now, everyone settle your brains for a long winter’s nap,

He’s chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. I’m sure we’ll see him, if I say so myself.

Will he come to our house before we sleep? Let’s be careful and quiet, not making a peep.

Out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
What to my wondering eyes should appear,

A little old furkid, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Dog.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his leash was all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Dog Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

… laying his paw aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“ … and to all a good night!”

We here on top of the mountain with everyone a holiday filled with happiness, rainbows, sun dogs, pink clouds, and good cheer.