The Night before Christmas: Caribbean Creole version

by Marguerite-Joan Joseph

’Twas the night before Christmas and all over the place
Joy was replacing care in each face
A pot full of sorrel — a big part of the plan
The ham that was chosen still steamed in the pan.

The smell of black cake still hung on the oven
They all knew: Here’s the best on this side of heaven!
A rack of fresh bread beguiled every sense,
In spite of the scarce pound, shilling and pence

The house was the best it could ever appear
With garlands of flowers on the rickety stair.
The children played quietly on the warm, brown wood floor
All expectant if anyone came to the door

The neighbours would drop by, all one by one,
With gifts, cards or bottles, and share in the fun.
Soon they were sent to bed with a flourish,
Because of the Midnight Mass of the Parish.

They had dreams of Saint Nicholas flying the sky
And Rudolf the reindeer ever so shy.
“With Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
On Comet and Cupid and Dona and Blitzen.”

They awoke by eleven to get themselves ready
To go on to church with the rest of the city
They would hear the sweet carols and sing out their faith,
And welcome the Christ Child and visit the crèche.

Then they shared in the joy of the people they loved,
As they came from the church knowing God is above.
With the ringing of church bells sweet on their ears
They would go on back home, and again climb the stairs

There they hoped to recapture the dream and the joy
Of Saint Nicholas riding for each girl and boy
Who all year before had been good, good as gold;
Hoping to win as the story had told.

As they sank to their pillows, they were sure they could hear
A voice say, over hoof-beats, or creaking of stair;
Oh yes, they were sure, as they shut their lids tight
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

© 2016 Iola Initiative Industries. The Night before Christmas, Caribbean Creole version by Dr Marguerite Joan Joseph of the Grenada Creole Society submitted by Jeanne Joseph-Ortega