Inspired by ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas by Major Henry Livingston Jr. (1748-1828) – previously believed to be by Clement Clarke Moore
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas a Triceratops Tale by Paul Heinzman
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the forest not a creature was stirring, not even an Allosaurus. The stockings were hung on the conifers with care, in hopes that TySantasaurus Rex would soon be there.
The dinosaurs were all snug in their nests with visions of sweet-nuts dancing in their crests. Mama with some ferns, and Dad with some thatch, had just settled down for a long winter’s nap. When out of the tree tops there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my nest to see what was the matter. Away to the clearing I flew like a flash, tearing back the shrubs and kicking up some ash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the luster of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a sleigh with nine Raptors to steer.
A T-Rex the driver, so lively a Dinosaurus. I knew in a moment it must be TySantasaurus. More rapid than Quetzalcoatlus they came. He shouted, and called them by name; “Now, Brison! now, Xavier! now, Jeffrey and Jerry! on, Charlie! on, Jadon! on Alan on Blue and Raphael too! Over the top of the trees! Over the mountain tops he called! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly. When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. Up to the mountain-top they flew. Full of Well Wishes, Hope and TySantasaurus too. Then, in a twinkling, I heard on the ground the prancing and clawing with each little pound. As I drew in my foot, and was turning around, down to the clearing TySantasaurus Rex came with a bound.
He was bright colored in feathers, from his head to his feet. His scales were spotted with ashes and sleet. Bundles of Joy he had flung on his back and he looked like a traveler just opening his pack. His eyes — how they twinkled! His feathers how merry! His scales were like roses, his brows bright cherry! His mouth full of teeth was drawn up like a bow. His jaw sparkled like the snow. The stem of a peppermint tree he held tight in is teeth and holly encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a bright colored belly, that shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was hefty and plump, a jolly old Tyrannosaur-elf. I laughed when I saw him, in spite of my Ceratopsian-self. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, led me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work. Filling all the stockings, he then turned with a jerk. Pointing his claws towards his nose and giving a nod. Up from the clearing he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle. Away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of sight, “HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!”
Happy Christmas!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, comment below or email:
Thank you!