‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantel, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung some pictures of far distant lands.

He had medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
And a sober thought then came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary.
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor of this one-bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier!

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for his bed?

I realized the families that I saw on this night
Owed their lives to these soldiers willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed Freedom each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice;

“I fight for Freedom; I don’t ask for more;
My life is my God, my country, my corps.”

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep.
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
And we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, “Carry on, Santa. It’s Christmas Day and all is secure.”

One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.

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