’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Were seven little children, as silent as a mouse.
They’d been on their best behavior, hoping Santa wouldn’t pass,
Praying he would come their way and not skip their house at last.
They woke in the morning as sunlight filled the room,
Peeking through the windows, breaking up the gloom.
Down the stairs they hurried, some sliding with delight,
Their hearts full of hope from the magical night.
But under the tree there was nothing to see,
Just a lonely green Christmas tree, standing silently.
Not a gift, not a bow, not a toy or a ball,
Nothing at all there—no presents at all.
The seven little children walked slowly away,
With heads hanging low and no words left to say.
Back into their beds they quietly crept,
So Mommy and Daddy thought still they had slept.
Soon Daddy called out, “Get dressed, it’s time!”
So up they all went, hoping maybe—this time.
They ran to the tree, their hearts beating fast,
But Santa still hadn’t been there, it seemed, at last.
“Put on your boots and your coats,” Daddy said,
And hand in hand they followed where he led.
Out the front door they quietly went,
Not knowing yet what this Christmas would meant.
They stood in a line at the soup kitchen door,
Waiting their turn, though they’d hoped for much more.
A Christmas plate came with warm food to eat,
They sat there in silence, tired but sweet.
Then “Ho, ho, ho!” echoed into the room,
From a bearded old man in a tattered costume.
He smelled quite terrible—nearly unbearable—
Yet the children stood still, humble and charitable.
For Santa had not forgotten them, that much was clear,
He smiled at the children and drew them all near.
He handed each child a small, simple ball,
And suddenly it felt like the greatest gift of all.
Their hearts filled with joy, their faces all bright,
For they learned something special that warm Christmas night:
That Christmas isn’t the gifts under a tree,
But love, hope, and kindness—and what it means to be free.
For even the smallest gift, given with care,
Their hearts filled with joy, excitement in the air,
The seven little children walked home, did not cry and never asked why
Their seven little heads, held up High!
Stake ID: AstraBitcoins
