12/25/2025
It's the night before Christmas and I'm out in the barn,
Blanketing my horses to keep them all warm.
They're eating their dinners, tucked cozy in stalls,
Not aware that it's Christmas, or any day special at all.
They dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds.
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such,
Quickly doing our tasks so we don't miss too much.
This season is special, but the horses don't know.
They munch on their hay safe out of the snow
I finish my chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and my family's yuletide
It's nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story told when I was young,
How at midnight on each Christmas Eve
The barnyard creatures can speak to us with ease.
I am called to the barn. I slosh through the snow.
I can't really explain; I know I must go.
I slide open the door, and stand there and smile
Then slowly walk down the dimly lit aisle.
A nicker from Lady, a soft snort from Hank,
Sweet, gentle Hotrod gives me a wink
Jet rustles his bedding, Tales comes into sight
Even Jane gives a greeting as I walk through the night.
I thought about parties bright lit and warm,
The ones we don't go to cause we have the barn,
And vacations and holidays that we usually don't get,
Cause we have the animals and chores to be met.
Walking all the way to the end of the aisle,
I stop to stroke Tales, and linger awhile
He snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
And I look around at the others, my horses, my friends.
I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.
From Our Barn to Yours
*author unknown*
