12/25/2025
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the stable
All the creatures were cozy, to the best I was able.
The stalls were all bedded, the horses and donkeys had hay
The waterers all cleaned, and muck tools put away.
Lily was napping in front of the fire
And for once I was able, to early retire.
Then out near the barn there arose such a clatter
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter!
Away to the window I ran as fast as I could
My hands shaking hard, on wobbly knees I stood.
Then what to my wondering eyes did I see
But a sleigh pulled by mini horses and donkeys!
With a little old driver so lively and quick
I knew in a moment, it must be St. Nick!
More rapid than Secretariat they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
Now Boone! Now Josie!
Now Rocky and Buddy!
On Blueberry! On Elvis!
On Takoda and Ody!
To the top of the barn, to the top of the wall.
Now dash away! Dash away!
Dash away all!
The dry leaves fluttering soon made the horses spook
Away from the barn, like silly little kooks!
So Santa was quick and finally able
To get them all to stop at the door of my stable!
And then, in a twinkling, he lept from the sleigh
Kissing the ground as the donkeys let out a bray.
So I drew up my courage and headed outside
While St. Nicholas finished and gathered his pride.
He was dressed in Wranglers and wore a Resistol
With a big shiny buckle and pearl handled pistols
And the bundle of gifts he had loaded in the sleigh
Made him look like the Amazon guy delivering today!
His eyes, yep they twinkled! His western jacket fit well!
His Ariats, well they had that good stable smell!
On his face was a grin, his beard white as snow
I think it was from driving eight minis, ya know!
He had candy canes held tight in his teeth,
For the minis of course, he had brought as a treat!
He had a broad face and a little round tummy,
(That showed me that Mrs. Clause did the stable chores, honey!)
He was chubby and plump, if we were describing a horse
Like he needed his hay in a Hay Pillow of course!
With a wink of his eye he left the minis untied
Soon he let me know I could follow him inside!
All the minis got apples and carrots you see
And new hoof boots from Cavallo in blue, pink and bling.
And giving a nod, as if he knew he must go
He walked out the barn, and on down the road.
Cause we all know if you donât tie up the minis
They wonât stay in place, not even at Christmas!
But I heard him exclaim, âere he ran out of sight,
Happy Christmas to all, and to all, a Good Night!
Original by Kimberly S. Brown, adapted for Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales by me, with apologies to Clement Clark Moore, author of âTwas the Night Before Christmas.
