White snowy down fell softly Christmas Eve,

An eider blanket swaddling the town;

Children watched the hearth in pure belief

That every creak bespoke a Santa sound.

Mantle stockings hung in hope proclaimed;

A fir stood proud, festooned in garlands gay,

Beneath trimmed boughs lay gifts all wrapped and named

While on the table, feasts and sweets were laid.

Outside some rose-cheeked carolers roused in song

Flirtatious flakes upon their eyebrows clung;

Warm angel-biscuits for the minstrel throng—

Hot chocolate frothed when all their joys were sung.

Pajamaed cherubs yawning their Noel,

Were led to dreams before the midnight bell.