Santa comes quietly long before dawn
While shops are still busy and lights are still on;
While dinners are simmering and kitchens are warm
And children count presents they'll open by morn.
He slips past the trees in windows aglow,
Through the gate to the back yard
As icy winds blow;
To find the pup he brought last year
Chained up in the snow
And kneeling, he whispers,
"Are you ready to go?"

There are too many stops like this one tonight
Before the beginning of his regular flight.
He leaves not a note or footprint in sight
Just an unbuckled collar
On a cold Christmas night.