Twas the Week Before Christmas

(With profound apologies to Clement Moore)

Twas the week before Christmas and all through their penthouse,

Little bears are decorating, while I get the bills and grouse.

Their stockings are hung by their chimney with care,

And presents from friends can be seen everywhere.

(Thank you Debby, Judy, Karen, Mitzi, Paul!)

Their kitchen is full of baked goodies set out to cool

While they’re waiting for a bite, Stretch and Tiny play pool.

Some monkey pals are watching a holiday DVD

And the cousins are relaxing by my Mom’s Christmas tree

The greenhouse is filled with poinsettia plants

And Matisse’s “Christmas Eve” lends an air of romance

But lest you think these spoiled bears are a bit too greedy,

Rest assured that we haven’t forgotten the needy.

We interrupt this blog for a public service announcement:  We support The Breast Cancer Initiative Foundation started by my doctor, Karen Kostroff; Wounded Warriors; The Harry Chapin Food Bank at Long Island Cares; The Salvation Army.  We hope all of you take time to say a prayer for those less fortunate this holiday season and remember your favorite charities while doing your holiday planning.

And with the serious stuff taken care of, we’ll be back soon with more holiday reminiscing . . . including Stretch's decorated dining room, special Christmas Eve meal, and some other holiday trivia/memories.