Twas The Week Before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas when all through the town,

Viruses were threatening to take everyone down. 

The moms had been busy with weeks of preparation, 

Stressing and hoping for the perfect celebration. 

The children were sneezing and dripping with goo, 

Touching doorknobs and handrails and holding hands too. 

Mama in her wisdom declared a new rule: 

No one may bring any germs home from school!

Mom worried, "The family fete will soon be here

Infectious pathogens are what I now fear."

A possible solution-   keep everything clean

Time to institute a mini- quarantine.

When sneezes were heard, "Into your elbow", she cried!

When noses were wiped, "Wash your hands", she would chide!

There was NO sharing of food or drinks with anyone.

Not EVEN mother with daughter or father with son.

"If you're going to get sick", she declared, "quickly do!"

"There's still enough time for the doctor to see you!"

A throat glowing red like famous Rudolf's nose?

A course of antibiotics can quickly fix those.

A stomach that's churning and heaving about?

Hold the bucket very close until it's all out.

With so much to do, Mom was wringing her mittens

If someone got sick she would surely have kittens!

Crossing her fingers, crossing her toes,

Feeling their foreheads, blowing her nose.

Mom was so worried about the celebration

(But  it wouldn't be Christmas without  desperation.)

Mom watched and hoped as the days passed

While everyone (with Lysol spray) she gassed. 

With determination and force of will

She somehow kept all from falling ill. 

On Christmas Eve dawn all arose.

Pale of cheeks and red of nose. 

BUT! No fever to spread to our family so dear!

Christmas is coming- it's almost here!

Whew! So...

The stockings were hung by the chimney with cheer

And our elf's time to depart was soon drawing near. 

Just a few more hours to strive for perfection!

Then all can nosedive into infection!

I heard her whisper as under the covers she nestled 

"Thank goodness I have a whole year to rest-le!"

Merry Christmas to All!


P.S.  One of our unwanted traditions is of holiday illness(es).  (If you have children, I'm sure it's a tradition at your house too!)  Every year, we are biting our nails wondering, "Will our house be safe to host our family?!?"  This year, I was more organized than in past years.  (When I was counting on using every school day to prepare and a child home sick would throw me into a panic!)  But that backfired!  In a new twist, I was the sick one this year!  But, with panic comes adrenaline- a mom's best friend. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.  (And get some well deserved rest!)

P.P.S.  Here is a picture of a Christmas candy dish at our house- filled with Luden's cough drops!