December 24th
It's nearly Christmas, everyone!
'Twas the night before Christmas, and ‘cross the compound
Not a single enlisted man uttered a sound;
The stockings were hung in the Mess Tent with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
Radar was nestled all snug in his bed,
Cuddling tightly his faithful old ted;
And Hawk in the Swamp and Margaret in her tent,
Were sleeping like babies, utterly spent,
When out on the compound there came such a clatter,
They sprang from their tents to see what was the matter.
Into the compound they flew in surprise,
All of them staring with widening eyes,
For, what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa in his sleigh, being pulled by reindeer!
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!"
To the top of the trees! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!
The surgeons all cheered and the nurses all clapped,
As he dropped off the presents for them to unwrap,
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
He filled all their stockings and made not a sound,
Then when he was done, he turned quickly around,
And mounted the sleigh and waved to them all,
As the sleigh flew away, they heard his final call:
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
They waved back at him as he flew out of sight.
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