'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the flat, Not a creature was sober, not even the cat. The glasses were placed on the mantel with care, In hopes that our Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were dining at Tony's and Fred's, Where speakeasy vintages danced through their heads. And Mama with her whiskey, and I with my gin, Had just settled down for an evening of sin.
When out in the lane there arose such a clatter I swallowed an olive -- now what was the matter? A gulp to the window, I fell like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
A light on the crest of the new-fallen sleet Gave a luster of mid-day to things on the street. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a truck loaded down with a mountain of beer.
And a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be our Nick! More rapid than eagles his helpers they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Lefty! Now Louie! Now, Alky and Witzen! On, Conky! On, Chowder! On, Harry and Blitzen! To the top of the house -- ring the bells in the hall! Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the top-floor the helpers they flew, With a lift full of treasure -- and Nicholas too.
And then in the twinkling I heard on the flags, The prancing and pawing of bottles in bags. As I drew in my head and was turning around, In the doorway our Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed like a Mayor from his head to his feet, And his tie was all spangled with diamonds and sleet. A bag full of beer he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His rings, how they twinkled! His sniffle, how merry! His hands were like roses, his eye like a cherry. A scar drew his mouth to one side like a bow, And the foam on his chin was as white as the snow.
The gold of the dentist was bright in his teeth, And a derby encircled his head like a wreath. He laid down his burden to draw forth a sample, And snapped off the cap with a thumb that was ample.
He was cheerful and prompt -- an expensive young begger, And we laughed when we saw him -- our Christmas Bootlegger! A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, Soon gave us to know we had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the glasses; then turned with a jerk. And, laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod: "Down the hatch! Here she goes!"
He sprang to the door, to his men gave a whistle, And away they all went like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim 'ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to All, And to All a good night!"
