Hi Bookworms!
I wanted to create a video Christmas card for you because I’m going to be going off the grid for a few days to celebrate. I included the text below the video in case any of you wanted to read as opposed to watching. I certainly don’t blame you. (Although the video does include some of our Christmas decorations, and really, who doesn’t want to see the penguin tree?!)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, at Gingerbread House,
No computer was whirring, no click from a mouse.
And though I was nestled all snug in my bed,
I was not sleeping, but reading instead.
While lost in a world of fantastic time travel,
I heard a strange noise, like a skid on some gravel.
Shortly thereafter, the sound of a crash,
And away to the window I flew like a flash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh, and no single reindeer.
I stood there confused, and scratching my noggin,
When I noticed the penguins begin to toboggan.
Santa soon shouted, “Dudes, let’s not dawdle,”
And then those sweet penguins took off at a waddle.
They gathered up packages, ribbons, and bows,
And while burdened with sacks, to housetops they ROSE.
I stood there dumbfounded, and no wonder why,
Who would’ve thought that PENGUINS could fly?!
It happened so quickly, and just like a flash,
Santa was shouting, “Fellows, let’s dash!”
“Now Carroll, now Chaucer, now Atwood and Dickens,
On Austen, on Bronte, on Shakespeare and Whitman.
We’ve filled every stocking and left every gift,
Now, buddies, oblige me, and gift me a lift!”
He hopped in his sleigh as the penguins assembled
They squawked and they wiggled, the giggled and trembled
I heard Santa exclaim with a quick backward look,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good book!”
Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate! To all those who don’t celebrate Christmas, Happy (belated) Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Festivus, and Happy New Year!!! (If you celebrate none of those holidays, then I simply wish you hearty good cheer!)
Karen Marino Marino
Hi Katie,
Thanks for the lovely video and the Solstice card. I had all good intentions of sending out cards this year but we know they are only good for paving stones. I wish you the lovliest of Christmas’ and look forward to reading you in the New Year.
Karen
PS I think Atwood would be honored to among such classical writers!
Words For Worms
Thanks Karen! 🙂 Atwood rocks my socks, how could I not name one of Santa’s flying penguins for her? Don’t worry your pretty little head about sending cards, this little wish right here? Perfect :).
Megan M.
I LOVE IT! Your poem is brilliant, as usual. The penguin tree is awesome! Your house is beautiful. I want to have a house like yours when I grow up!
I love themed trees, they’re so beautiful, but I love our terribly, wonderfully mismatched tree more, I think. We have heirloom ornaments and new ones, polka dots and stripes, Christmas Story ornaments (like the leg lamp, etc.) a random giant scarf-wearing frog, paper snowflakes… it’s weird and wonderful.
Merry Christmas Katie!
Rhian
What a lovely video, though I’m not sure I fully appreciated before now your er, extreme interest in penguins.
I hope you have a great Christmas which includes at least one book under the tree (it still counts if you buy it yourself, right?).
Jennine G.
Aww! Very cool. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you!
Elena
Merry Christmas! Have fun, be happy and enjoy your beloved ones and the food! Xxx
Cindy
That was a lovely video. That was a great rewrite of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas for book lovers. I am very jealous that you have a whole tree with penguins. My husband would never agree to that. I have been sneakily buying penguin ornaments and hanging them each year. BTW, I found your blog while searching for a picture of a penguin with books and have been reading ever since.
Have a great Christmas!
Ciska @ Ciska's Book Chest
Aww Katie that was a great video. Thank you so much and may all the penguins in the world show up at your door for Christmas!!
Monika
Love this! Merry Christmas, Katie!
Susan
*Love* the poem, but I think I love the penguin tree even more!
Ashley Z
You are the cutest ever! Merry christmas!
Redhotwritinghood
Loved your tree and your awesome poem!! I may just have to steal your outdoor lights…..
lisa g
Merry Christmas to you, and to Jim!! Love the video and the penguin tree!!
Bonnie @ For the Love of Words
That was great! 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Kelly from Readlately.com
That was one amazing rhyme! Merry Christmas, you poetess!
Sarah Says Read
Adorable!
““Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good book!””
and perfectly well-said. Merry Christmas!!!!
alisa selene
I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Andi (Estella's Revenge)
This is THE CUTEST THING EVER. You clever girl. Love love love it! Sharing it all over the land. Merry Christmas, Katie!
Joules (from Pocketful of Joules)
Merry Christmas snickerdoodle! Love, Joules
Leah @ Books Speak Volumes
Eep, I love this! Very nice video, and your alternate bookish/penguinish Night Before Christmas is the best!
Allison @ The Book Wheel
I don’t know which is better, the story or the decorations. You really went all out!
Lori
Fantastic!! You are beyond adorable and I love how you replaced the reindeer’s names with authors.
Words For Worms
Awwww thanks Lori. Blushing!