With sincerest apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, I hereby present, “A Pittsburgh Christmas”

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Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
All the family was scurrying like an A.D.D mouse.
The lights and the tinsel were strewn about with flair,
For in just a few hours, a great party’d be there.

The children were scrambling with chores to be done,
In anticipation for much Christmassy fun.
With Mom in the kitchen, and I as her aid,
Lots of cookies and holiday treats, we got made.

When 1 o’clock came and a pause came o’er all.
It’s an NFL Saturday! Time for football!
Away to the TV, ran young and old.
Time to cheer on our own Black & Gold!

Our Steelers are winning and prezzies are wrapped.
Dinner is cooking and the dogs are well-napped.
When who, to the house, should suddenly appear,
But cousins and brothers, all bearing cases of beer

For the party that night (though one now is okay!)
Touchdown! Thank you, Mendenhall, Batch and John Clay!
The family is happy and the mood, oh-so-Merry
Even if Mom still demands we all clean, tote and carry.

“Now, Dawn, sort the cookies! Now, Helena?” “Yes, ma’am!”
“Help Uncle Harry lift the turkey and huge Christmas ham!
To the tables, bring dinner and treats for us all,
We must eat in a hurry, there’s no time to stall!”

We have dinner at 3, and then church service at 8.
Then, back to the house, where we party til late!
With our cousins, our neighbors, and friends through the years,
We share fun and fellowship, and quite a few cheers.

In the morning, comes breakfast and presents galore
With immediate family (and sometimes a few more).
Its the way we all answer the seasonal call –
Happy birthday to Jesus and Merry Christmas to all!

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Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone, from AVDawn & MrAVDawn, the AV pups and all the extended AVDawn family in Pittsburgh!