Alvin's Night Before Christmas    Twas the night before Christmas On earth and in heaven. Not a creature was stirring, Except, of course, Alvin.     The house had been crazy All through the week. The front room was closed up; He MUST take a peek!     The family was sleeping. The house was so still.... He had to be careful And use all his skill.     Alvin crept to the door, Looked around and above. Then he took a deep breath And gave it a shove.     What happened next Gave the 'gator a shock! The door slowly swung open... They had forgotten the lock!     In he ran quickly Eager to see What was the big secret? Could that be....a TREE ?     He slowly moved closer His mouth opened wide. "Who would have thought it? A forest....inside!!"     He stood and he stared Not daring to stir, Then slowly crept closer To the towering fir.     It stood in the window So tall and so true; In it's branches lights twinkled Red, green, yellow, and blue.     All silver and gold Were the garlands and wreaths Dazzling his eyes As Alvin stood there beneath.     At the top was a star And an angel with wings. Colored glass and icicles... All kinds of strange things.    Alvin tried to look closer He wanted to see! So he gave a great jump And climbed up the tree.     He inspected each ornament Fancy and plain All the while nibbling At each candy cane.     Then suddenly above him Came a BANG! and a THUMP! And lots of little tappings. Alvin's heart gave a jump!     "Oh NO!" thought the 'gator, "I'm done for! I'm dead!"  He crept deep in the branches, His heart filled with dread.     "They're awake! Oh No! If they find me they'll skin me!" But just then, with a THUD! Something fell down the chimney.     Alvin peeked through the branches His eyes opened wide. Something was out there... And it was coming inside!     He stared and he stared. What could it be? He stared at the fireplace.... And what did he see?     First shiny black boots, Then legs...then the rest. There was a man in the fireplace! Now who was this guest?     Alvin looked and he saw A man all in red With a beard white as snow And a hat on his head.     "This man seems familiar, He has a strange look.... Hey!!! I saw him on TV!! I'll bet he's a crook!"     Alvin crawled out on the branch The better to see. Then came a SNAP! and a "Sqeeeeeeeek!" As he fell from the tree!     When he opened his eyes He was flat on his back, And the man, he was smiling! "Now what's THIS in my sack?"     "Never you mind!" Alvin said; "Now you listen!! See here!! "It's alright," said Santa, "I come every year!"     "Each Christmas Eve My reindeer and I Hitch up the sleigh And ride through the sky     To bring lots of presents For girls and for boys Dolls and games And clothing and toys!         "And now...what's your name?" Santa said with a smile. "Why...I'm Alvin!" came the answer, "Can you stay a while?"     "Ho ho ho!" Santa laughed, "Of course! It isn't so late! And look! A nice glass of milk And cookies piled on a plate!"     "Let's get all the presents Arranged 'neath the tree, Then we'll have a nice treat, Just you and me."     Santa emptied his sack And Alvin ran to and fro Arranging each package And straightening each bow.     And when it was done Alvin gasped at the sight. Wrappings glowed softly And lights twinkled bright.         "What a good helper you are My little green friend!" Santa said with a smile. Alvin's chest swelled no end.       "And now...our reward! A nice little snack!" Santa sat in the armchair, Alvin perched on the back.     Together they feasted As the hour grew late. Until at last not a crumb Was seen on the plate.     "And now I must go," Santa said, "But no fear! I'm always around At this time of the year."      Alvin grew sad But Santa said "You worked so hard by yourself That I hereby do name you An honorary elf!"     Santa pulled out a hat All white and red And, with a smile and a pat, Perched it on Alvin's head.     Alvin squealed and he wiggled His chest swelled with pride! Santa went to the fireplace And stepped back inside.     "Goodbye my Elf Alvin! And be of good cheer! We'll share cookies again When I come back next year!"     With a nod and a wink Santa stood on his toes And then...ONE-TWO-THREE! Up the chimney he rose!     "Merry Christmas Santa!" Alvin said with a squeak. Then he burped...and he yawned... And lay down for a sleep.     When the family came in They found Alvin there With his hat on his head All curled up in the chair.       He stretched and he yawned As he opened his eyes To see all the family As they gasped in surprise.     "Merry Christmas!" he squeaked As he straightened his hat. "Just see what we did! Just look at all that!"     He stood and he stretched Then leaped from his seat To dart 'cross the room And stand at their feet.     "Merry Christmas!" he squeaked 'Midst the ribbons and paper. "Merry Christmas from Alvin Santa's new Elfagator!"     The End      
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