‘Twas The Night Before Amy’s Christmas

Posted by on December 16, 2020

Well folks, one of my Christmas wishes came early this year. You all know Don Ryan of the Ryan Report, but what you may not know is that he is a founding member of the Lake Superior Community Partnership and a huge mentor of mine. Over the years, Don has gotten me out of my comfort zone more times than I can count and taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

If you are a regular of Marquette County’s Economic Club, you know that for many years at the December meeting, Don presented his entertaining and light hearted ‘Twas of the Night Before Christmas injecting a local flavor into it. A true tradition and something I had always hoped to create with Don one year. Well folks, while there sadly is no public presentation this year, Don did agree to make my wish come true.  Enjoy!

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

In hopes that Santa Claus soon would be there.

And I in my kerchief and my hubby in his Cubs cap

had just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

As we laid there nestled all snug in our bed

visions from the past year danced in my head.

It had been a tough year because of COVID-19.

For many it was the most difficult they’d seen.

And as I lay tossing and turning in bed

I recalled what my letter to Santa had said.

Dear Santa I wrote, this year is different indeed.

And the people in my community have so much they need.

We still wish for toys for the kids in our town,

especially for the families whose luck has turned down.

Many have lost jobs and are hurting this year.

When making your rounds please add extra cheer.

And Santa please keep our health care workers in mind.

They deserve the very nicest gifts you can find.

They have worked very hard to keep us safe as can be,

They deserve a merry Christmas I’m sure you agree.

And Santa remember our businesses in town.

For parts of the year many were shut down.

They found creative ways to serve the customers they see

so please place some special gifts under their tree.

There are many others Santa, like all frontliners and schools.

NMU, local governments and the workers with tools.

The people who work in our stores every day,

please have some nice gifts for them on your sleigh.

Don’t forget our non-profits who serve above self.

May they find ways to maintain organizational health.

And Santa, while it’s been a difficult year,

in some ways we’ve come closer with those we hold dear.

Our families have spent much more time with each other.

Our sisters, our brothers our father our mother.

But there are those we have missed as they live far away,

and it’s just not safe to travel and meet up that way.

And there are friends and co-workers who once gave us bliss.

Now meetings, hand shaking and friendly hugs we miss.

Church, weddings and celebratory gatherings are small.

We’re looking forward to the days when we can have them all.

Yes, Santa we are almost through it and it has been a tough year.

In the months ahead please grant us some good news and cheer.

And with that, sleep was coming and I drifted off to dream

of Christmas trees and Santa Claus and his flying reindeer team.

And in my dream I heard him say as he drove out of sight,

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column for the Mining Journal.

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