Merry Christmas to All!

I wrote this little ditty at my wife's request last night, and I thought I'd share it with my faithful readers on this blessed day.

Twas the night before Christmas in the sourdough bakery.

All the loaves were sold out, both the sweet and the savory.

The dough hook was hung by the chimney with care,

with hopes that a big oven soon would be there.

Customers settled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sourdough danced in their heads.

And I in my apron and he in his shirt

Were wondering how so many body parts hurt.

When up from the kitchen arose such a clatter

I went down the stairs to see what had just shattered.

I flew to the pantry to see for myself,

And found there an animate Elf on a Shelf!

He stood by the mixer, a spoon in his hand,

Then stared at me sternly and made his demand:

"More everything bagel! More apple! More cheddar!

Make plain loaves and minis with spicy hot peppers!

Give me chocolate chip cookies, and brownies so good,

So they can be shared by the whole neighbourhood!"

His eyes--how they twinkled with ravenous hunger

as he smiled and said, "I'm not getting any younger!"

He threw in some flour, some water, some starter,

Then grabbed all the spices right out of the larder.

"Get baking," he said with a waggling finger.

"There's more stuff to make, so don't you dare linger!"

But as he kept stirring the dough bowl to mix it,

I knew there was only one way I could fix it.

I took a deep breath, then I shook my poor head,

Then I woke from my dream in my warm, cozy bed.

Safe and sound, with no orders for bread in my sight,

I said "Merry Christmas, and to all a good night!"

Well, she liked it. Merry Christmas, everyone, and have a blessed New Year as well.