The Remarkable Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas
   and in the shopping mall
crowds of children waved goodbye as 
   jolly Santa left the hall.

Harried parents dashed out of the stores
   clutching their bags of toys
and gathered up their waiting youngsters,
   the happy girls and boys.

Then off to the church they went
   just across the street
for the children's evening program
   and the promise of a treat.