I see it..

by Stephanle Wiebe

-_

‘Twas the night before Christmas-and all through this town, The people were shov’ling the slush that came down Their bodies were soggy, their minds were irate, They'd like a white Christmas, but was this so great? When from down the road there arose such a clatter

I sprang from the driveway to check out the matter. ©

The full moon shone brightly, the light shimmered now, On the gentleman driving the city snow plow —

I fell to my knees and I cried out in fear, .

and I begged to him, “Please, get that plow out of here!”’ I’d shoveled for hours, clearing wet, slushy snow,

‘I was sweaty and tired, but wouldn’t you know?

That just as [’d finished, my chore was complete,

The plow had zoomed by and piled more at my feet.

It was ice-hard like granite, this slushy packed snow,

and I climbed up the pile, with-my shovel in tow,

Did this madman enjoy this? He’d ruined my work.

Now I’d have to start over — all thanks to this jerk. I-cursed as I shoveled the ice where it fell

~ When I suddenly heard the faint sound of a bell.

I looked up to see if the plow had come back, .

I was ready to fight with that plow maniac,

But I put down my shovel — my anger was gone,

For St. Nicholas landed his sleigh on my lawn!

He unhitched his reindeer, they wandered around,

And Dasher and Dancer laid down on the ground.

Comet yawned as he stretched out his legs by the gate, - Blitzen ran ‘to the tree, but then Santa said ‘‘Wait!”" ‘*T told you to go ‘fore we left the North Pole!;;

Blitzen pouted a bit, then went back to the fold.

When his reindeer had calmed, Santa turned back his head, ‘*Now there’s something I wanted to tell you,” he said. ‘*] heard all your yelling and cursing just now,

And I know how you feel toward that man in the plow,” ‘*But he’s only a person who’s doing his job,

He’s paid to drive ‘round in that thing-a-ma-bob.”’ ‘And he knows it’s a nuisance to shovel the drive,

But the streets must be safe to keep people alive.”’

My face burned with shame as I looked at the scene,

I knew Santa was right, I’d been petty and mean.

That poor driver was working, and F should be proud to have streets that are sanded and salted and plowed. And when I put my shovel against the asphalt,

I should not blame that man, ‘cause it wasn’t his fault. ‘Yes, Santa,’’-I nodded, ‘‘you’re right, I was wrong.” Then he patted my hand, and he whistled a song.

And the reindeer leaped up as he shouted, “Good bye!”’ And the next think 1 knew they were up in the sky.

I went back to the driveway and cleared up the ice,

I was thinking about how my bed would feel nice,

As I walked toward the house, and I took off my hat and I pulled off my gloves and my coat and all that. Stood in the door, kicked the boots off my feet,

When I heard the plow coming again down the street. As I stood there, defeated, it came into sight,

and the drive needed shov’ling a third time that night.’

~ But the plow-man slowed down near the big maple tree, . _

And he opened his door and he waved right at me. ‘‘Merry Christmas to all,’’ he said smiling a bit. “‘This is Christmas in Terrace — get used to it!”

x nis

Inside Section B....

Hollander as a good day, Page B2.

benefit. Pages B6 and B7.

Pages B12 and B13. Church directory: B14. Fae Mooney in a fragrant mood: B10. Arts and entertainment: B&.

10 races, 10 records: local swimmer Cory

Better living through music: the Terrace Musi- cians’ Association looks back at another successful

‘This the season: a look at Santa Claus, St. Nicholas and Christmas trees past and present.

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Sports

Community news Arts & Entertainment

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--Mabel Hobenshield and Bob Goodvin were one of the couples who burned up the dance

~ floor at the annual seniors’ Christmas party in George’s Pub, hosted recently by manage-

. ment of the Northern Motor Inn. For the whole story, see Bits ‘n’ Pieces on page B16.

lt’s the season for fundraising and worthy causes. One of the many tables seen in local shopping areas over the holidays was. run by Terrace French Preschool supporters Judy Milner, her son James, and Debra Fisher, who sold raffle tickets for the prize of a giant

hamper of traditional Christmas fare.

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