‘Twas a month before Christmas and it was a mess in the house,

All its creatures were stirring: dogs, kids and each spouse.

“Get up on the stairs,” mom yelled to the pack,

“If you haven’t showered in a while, get in the back.” 

“Now, Millie! Now, Copper! Now, Benton and Greg!

Now, Charlotte! Guys, please don’t make me beg! 

I need to make dinner (why does that happen everyday?!),

If you want to eat, sit your butts down and obey.”

“Benton, watch the broken hand from your tussle at school,

I’m still not sure how you did that while following ‘social distancing’ rules.

Can you please just sweep the hair out of your face? 

If I can see both eyes, your dinner can be leftover cake.

And Charlotte, I know your teeth hurt from your braces yanked tight,

But if you smile you can have ice cream for dinner tonight.” 

“My hamstring still hurts from chasing those mean kids around the block,

And I’m still limping from when the front door accidentally took my toenail off.

So scoot over, you guys, and help me climb up!”

“Copper, you are mostly cooperating, thank you very much.

It’s clear you’re doing your best to tolerate all of us.

But Millie, I am on my last nerve with you, dog,

This week at the vet has been an unending slog. 

First there was the candy incident, you sneaky pup.

That was an expensive bill to make you throw it all up.

And then there was the snip and now this cone for a few days, 

I’m sure it will get you into trouble in all kinds of new ways.” 

“Greg, please if you just grab her by the plastic and look merry,

I’ll make you an Old Fashioned for dinner with two extra cherries.

No, Greg, I’m not sure exactly what my plan is here.  

But I can promise our card will be totally weird.” 

“Ok, smile and squeeze together everybody, one, two, three! 

We need some kind of image to capture 2020.

Whatever, it’s fine, now dash away family!

I’m having alone time for dinner, Happy Christmas to me!”