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‘Twas the night before Christmas on a hot summer’s night,

The children were in bed even though it was still light.

The Christmas tree was up casting a soft festive glow

And hanging on the mantelpiece were four stockings in a row.

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The children struggled to fall asleep really quick,

Secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Saint Nick.

Then all of a sudden...a scratching noise on their roof!

Now could that be the sound of a reindeer’s hoof?

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Out of bed sprang the children with hearts beating fast,

Hooray, they’d get to see a real reindeer at last!

They ran barefoot out into their suburban backyard,

Into the balmy night air with all senses on guard.

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Around the large rainwater tank they quietly crept,

These two little adventurers while everyone slept.

They parted the willow branches as they crossed the garden bed,

Filled with roses and lilies and big sunflower heads.

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Then out of the blue, a ding-ding-ding could be heard...

They looked at each other and said not a word,

For they knew it was only the number 48 tram

And not the telltale jingle from the jolly old man.

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That scratching sound again...yes, they heard it once more!

It came from the roof above their front door.

They tiptoed down the driveway hoping not to get caught,

The idea of seeing Santa was their one and only thought.

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To see the roof clearly, the children climbed up onto the fence,

Hoping to see Santa’s sack overflowing with presents.

Or even his eight reindeers with Rudolf in the lead -

Oh, what a thrilling spectacle to witness indeed!

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Shh..they heard it again - that scratching noise like before,

And what sounded like the pitter-patter of very small...paws?

Then, down from the roof with bushy tail in the air,

Glowed a pair of round eyes that gave the children a scare!

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They fell as they stumbled...running as fast as they could,

Their parents must not know they were up to no good.

Knocking over the garden gnome and tripping on the hose,

One of them even stepped on the other one’s toes!

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They rushed ‘round the tank and jumped over the garden bed,

Up the porch and back inside - how quickly they fled!

They ran past the tree and the stockings in a row

And down through the hall, dashing under the mistletoe.

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Back in their room, they dragged their dirt-covered feet,

Finally deciding they ought to get some sleep.

And just as they lay down and closed their weary eyes...

A faint, distant jingling could be heard through the night sky.

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Too tired to get up to see if perhaps it might be -

Santa coming down the chimney to pop gifts under their tree.

Drifting into a slumber, they dreamed of what wonderful things...

May surprise them in wrapped parcels on Christmas morning!

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Enjoy the magic of the festive season through this tale of adventure on the eve of Christmas. Join these two curious siblings as they

wander through their suburban backyard hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa and his reindeers. Find out if they got to meet him...

and while you’re there, see if you can spot all the little night-time creatures that live in their garden!