The day after Thanksgiving we piled in the car, then drove fifty miles to where the malls are. Had to catch all those big sales, you see, to buy lots of presents for under the tree. I parked in a space 'bout a mile from the door, as I started to wonder what we do all this for. The stores were all decorated, festive and bright. Glanced at my check book, "Money sure is tight." "No problem", I said, "It's ok, I won't sweat it. We'll shop 'til we drop, cause I've got good credit." We filled up the buggy with ribbons and bows, a toy Santa that sings when you squeeze his nose, Nintendo and Barbie and Crayola too, ornaments, stockings, and Winnie the Pooh. We stood in a line for the rest of the day. I hoped to get home 'fore my hair all turned gray. I pushed my cart up to a cashier named Marge, and handed her my Visa as I declared "Charge!" But, before I could get my receipt, to be signed, She gave back my card and whispered "declined." I hung my head low as we left the mall. My heart was so big but my funds were too small. I told the young'uns "Now, don't get upset. We'll make presents this year, it'll be the best Christmas yet!" So the next few weeks, got busy, did we, making our gifts for under the tree. Knitting, and baking, and paper-chain making, 'til 3 am Christmas Eve, my head it was aching. Our trailer was decorated from end to end, and it looked mighty purdy, I assure you, my friend. The tree, it was covered with popcorn and berries, paper snowflakes, and bright red bing cherries. I kissed the young'uns good night, as I tucked them in bed, then took me some aspirin for my achin' head. I started to doze and my mind it did wander, �til I woke with a start, and looked over yonder. Up in the sky I thought I could see some reindeer, a sleigh, a man waving at me? A crash on the roof, and the trailer it shook. It creaked and it groaned from the weight that it took. I cranked open the winder, and poked out my head and just for a moment saw the fat man in red. He tossed me a fruit cake, said "Hope that's enough, I'd like to give more, but times have been tough." I gave him my thanks, told him I understood. He said "Have a great Christmas!", and I told him I would. I watched them fly away 'til they went out of sight. That's the end of my tale. Merry Christmas, good night! GladysClump©2004