Judged:
1
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and far out at sea, our vessl was sailing as smooth as could be. The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs, with hope that St.Nicolas would find them out there. The children were nestled all snug in their uppers, having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper. And ma and myself, were covered in aloe, a bit too much sun, in a pool nice and shallow. When up in the sky there arose such a clatter, I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter. To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash, well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash. When, what to my skeptical eyes should appear, but a big shiny sleigh and eight flying reindeer. They circled our ship from starboard to port, and the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort. Who called to his team in a happy retort, "Now Dasher, now Dancer," so on and so forth. I raced thu my cabin and into the hall to the very top deck, in time for us all. To be awed by the sight of Old Santa's sleigh, as he lightly touched down by the midnight buffet. With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back, he climbed up the side and dropped down the smokestack. From insides to oceanviews, balconies and suites, Santa filled every stocking with toys and with treats. Until all the deliveries had been handled with care, then he noted he still had a minute to spare. And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team and he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams. And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of view, Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.