The day after

John R. Hall

‘Twas the day after Christmas

And through the Hall abode…

…Us parents were stirrin’

In our post-Christmas sale mode.


The credit cards were maxxed

But who really cares?

There’s some great buys at Target

On half-off holiday wares.


I arose to the kid’s rooms

In search of Grandma’s gift money…

They’ll never miss it I thought,

“Here’s a twenty for you, honey.”


We tore open envelopes

In search of another gift card

I never knew thievery

Could be so incredibly hard.


But I put aside my guilt

‘Cuz I knew the kids wouldn’t mind,

I’ll buy ‘em a candy cane

Those are never hard to find.


So we threw on some clothes

And left the house with a clatter

I forgot to brush my teeth…

It really didn’t matter.


As I drove away I yelled,

“On Debit! On Credit! On Best Buy! On Kohls!

We’re heading your way

To beat the “day after” woes.


And as I looked back at the house

When daylight started to break,

I shouted “Merry Christmas to all

Even those who gave fruitcake!”