Twas the Night Before Christmas... Our Way
December 2005
Re-Tellings Written by Mrs. Dingman's 5th Grade
This project aligned with the following Pennsylvania Academic Standards:
1.1.5 Learning to Read Independently
1.4.5 Types of Writing
1.5.5 Quality of Writing
Twas The Night Before Halloween…
Twas the night before Halloween
And all through the pitch black night
Children are curled up all in their beds
Oh what a fright!
With Witches and Goblins dancing in everyone’s heads
It’s hard to stay still with the fear of scary monsters under beds!
I got up from bed I just couldn’t wait
I have to get out there before it’s too late.
This year I’m going to be a tree frog
OH NO! Here comes my dog!
I went to every house on the block
All of a sudden I looked at the clock!
It was 12:00 midnight I scurried on home
When I got back I still wanted to roam!
Tonight out of nights I have ever experienced before
Was the best night that I seriously had to adore!
I hopped into bed all nice and snug
While my dog was sleeping on my rug!
Now I am drifting off to dream land
With all of my candy underneath my hand!
Good night to all Witches, Goblins, and Moon
It will be Halloween again very soon!
Probably tomorrow morning I will be sad
But who knows I might even be mad!
As a fall asleep I dream of my night
OH BOY it was a big fright!
I dreamt about that scary haunted house
And that little child dressed up as a mouse!
Now that I am awake last night was great
I am trying to think about last night, and how late!
Halloween is over, yes I am sad
But since I still have my candy I am also very GLAD!
Twas The Week Before Break
Twas the week before break, and all through the town
All grown-ups were shopping, buying presents, toys, and gowns.
People scurrying everywhere, trying to rush ‘round like a storm.
Even all the college kids were trying to hide gifts in all the dorms.
And some of the kids were sledding all around.
They’d bump into trees and make snow fall on the ground.
And the older kids were skiing all about.
They were so good, without a doubt.
Now all piggy banks were being emptied out on all beds.
But the counting the money part, it hurt kids heads!
Now kids had to go shopping in stores.
But when they saw all the toys, all they said was “More, more, more!”
Some kids didn’t remember gifts at all!
They were too busy having a ball.
Snow balls, snow men, snow angels galore!
One kid was so excited, that he ran into a door!
Some kids went to see Santa Claus, So happy and jolly with glee.
But all the babies started to cry and they became too unhappy!
Mommies and Daddies tried to calm them down.
With candy canes, funny faces, and even clowns!
Now Christmas Eve was finally here!
Everyone scattered all about with fear.
Last minute gifts and candy galore.
Parents were hoping no one would want anymore.
Everyone was excited and wrapping presents too.
People were giving them to kids saying “One for you, you, and you!’
One with a pink bow and one with a red.
One ONLY had a bow, but no wrapping paper because it was a sled!
The next day was Christmas! Everyone excited with glee,
They went into the living room and looked under the tree.
They saw presents in green, gold, and red,
Then they woke their parents and they jumped out of bed!
Everyone happy, unwrapping presents and having fun,
Then someone said “Excuse me everyone.”
“Christmas isn’t just about presents you know.”
“It’s also not about sleds or snow.”
“It’s about spending time with the people you love.”
Just then everyone looked above.
They all looked up at the star on the tree,
And they all were happy, but who wouldn’t be!
Twas the Night Before New Year’s Day
Twas the night before New Year’s Day
And all through the night
Everyone was awake
No one was out of sight
People are waiting
For a brand new year
They’re waiting for
2006 to be here
No one around
Was asleep in their beds
They still had pajamas on
But with no dreams in their heads
In New York City
Everyone was waiting for the ball
When the clock strikes twelve
The ball will fall
I made my list of resolutions
The day before
I hope I finish all of them
By the time I turn 24
I can’t wait my sister can’t wait
My family member too
We still have 1 hour to go
Oh what are we going to do?
Just when I thought
I could wait no more
The clock strikes twelve
It’s 8 hours after 4!
The year 2006
Is finally here
I wish you a good start
Of this brand new year
Michelle
Twas The Night Before A Soldiers’ New Year’s Eve
Twas the night before a soldiers’ New Year’s Eve
& All through the camp everybody was at a scurry
All were happy & filled with joy some, even writing letters
But there was this one soldier, his name was Lue & his mind was only filled with worry
He was worried that a bomb might go off his heart was filled with despair
Then a soldier came over named Clarence & said don’t worry I won’t let anyone harm a single hair
“Cheer up my friend” said Clarence “picture dancing root beers in your head”
The soldier laughed because of what Clarence had said
Then Lt. Clarence said, “I know how you feel I miss my family too”
The soldier said “But my heart feels so, so, so blue”
Then came over Officer Led & said, “I promise this will be the best New Year’s Eve”
Lt. Clarence said, “Um… Lue pick up your sleeve”
“Why?” said Lue. Clarence said, “Because it’s in the chili"
They all laughed Officer Led said, “why boy … you’re just silly”
“OH!” said Clarence “guess what… we’re going to watch the ball drop"
He jumped up into the air & said “yippy” but then down in the chili he went plop
“Oops” said the soldier “I’ll go take a shower”
“Ok” said Lt. Clarence “be back in half-an-hour”
“Yes sir” said the soldier as he walked away with chili on his fanny
Officer Led laughed as the soldier walked away because he walked like a chicken that the officer had named Lanny
Officer Led said, “I know what to do”
“With Lue?” said Lt. Clarence “no with the chili”
Officer Led said “ammo is missing from gun 1&2”
“Now we’re not that desperate” said Sergeant Willy
The soldier came back with his mind in a jumble
In such a jumble he tripped over the chili pot & had a little stumble
Then he got up in a flash
Sergeant Willy called him over… the soldier ran over there in a dash
Then midnight came around
They watched the ball drop hoping that it would not hit the ground
Lue said Hello to Dr. Steve
Then he said to himself “to all have a fantastic New Year’s Eve”
Christopher
Twas the Night Before the Math Test
Twas the night before the math test
And all through the town every child was stirring
Making sure they did their best
Reading their notes while the cat was purring
The very next day every one was slouching they did not want to take the math test
When the teacher announced the math test NNNNNOOOOO every one said with a groan
We don’t want to take the math test
Now children no moans
You will take the test and like it
If you don’t get an A+ you stay back
Now you will sit
As everyone finished they were told to pack their sacks
Who are the …the sacks are for 1st graders
I have one rule NO fun toys
What kind of teacher are you…
One that likes to see children feeling blue
You are mean
No I’m just keen
To get you in trouble
Make that double
Your math tests are bad
But they did not make me sad
All of you did bad
Come over here Chad
You got an F
Can you get an O
Can you please…
NNNNOOOO, no, no, and did I say NNNNNNOOOOOO
That day she announced the Social Studies test
DO YOUR VERY BEST
Go home and study now
As the children left Chad said I wish she was a cow
Twas The Day Before Easter
Twas the day before Easter
And all around the world
No one knew where the Easter Bunny was
Except for Johnny and his puppy Swirled
The police came to Johnny’s house
To ask for his help
But when Johnny answered the door
He screeched with a yelp
Johnny cried, “Please don’t arrest me”
“I’m sorry I stole it”
“Please don’t arrest me”
“It was for my school skit”
“Calm down Johnny” the police said
“Please Johnny, you know why we came”
Oh, now I recall why you policemen came”
“Then let’s find that bunny in the children’s hall of fame”
They walked and walked, walked and walked
How much they walked, it was really quite funny
But everywhere they looked
There was no sign of the Easter Bunny
They walked through the woods, they walked over a field
On that field, they saw a football player scoring
The boy and the policemen just kept walking
I could understand if you think this story’s quite boring
Then there was some hope
When they got to a midwestern horse farm
The cherished Easter Bunny was on the grass
Everyone cared with alarm
Everyone could quite tell
The Easter Bunny tripped over hay
Johnny screamed, “Silly Rabbit, trips are for kids”
Good thing the Easter Bunny was okay
Twas The Night Before Halloween
Twas the night before Halloween and all through the land
Everyone was dreaming about marching bands.
In my dream they were playing the drums
While the other part of the band was doing hums
When every kid in the city woke up
All of the parents were wondering what was up
All the kids celebrated for the holiday
While I was home taking care of my pet dog Moliday
While everybody was playing with their toys
My mom was taking care of the boys.
Finally it got dark out
And everybody was celebrating with a loud shout.
Everybody was trick or treating
While I was inside eating
When I was finished eating
Then I was going trick or treating.
Every body was in their house
While I was the only one that saw a mouse
The mouse was eating candy
If you wanted somebody to clean up they would come in handy.
I finally went inside my room
When my mom was cleaning with a broom.
I was in my room by myself
And this time I wanted to dream about a house elf.
It took along time to go to bed
But when I saw my teddy bear Ted.
I finally went to bed and dreamed about candy
When you eat candy it does come in handy.
I didn’t dream about elves
But I did dream about candy dancing on shelves.
I think that was a better dream
My brother woke me up because he was mean.
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
Twas the night before Thanksgiving
And all through the house
Everyone was screaming
Even the mouse
Since everyone was screaming
They started to fight
Then we thought it was over and…
WOW since when did men start to bite
Everyone were friends again
Thank the Lord
Now there isn’t anything to do
Now everyone’s bored
Then someone said, “Look food”
Everyone ran to the table
When they got there
They saw Mrs. Mable
There were honey smoked ham and
There’s Mrs.Bedgie
Then everyone exclaimed
Let’s give her a wedgie
Then she ran away
Everyone started to cry… even Ted
Why’d they cry?
There was no more Rye bread
Now it’s Thanksgiving
And everyone’s playing
Then someone said…
“You know what I’m saying?”
Yeah we all know what you’re saying
“Let’s eat!”
Remember don’t take off your shoes
Nobody has to smell your STINKY FEET!!!
Twas The Week Before The End Of The Universe
Twas the week before the end the end of the universe
And all through the week
All the people were saying what is going on
And what is that reek
An old women said furiously
What is going to happen
My husband has gone crazy
And now I have to slap him
What about my daughter
What about my son
People please
Can we wait till this is done
That’s it we’re going home
People don’t go away
It will happen either way
From California to P.A
What will we eat
What will we do
My baby smells
P.U
Why is this happening
Why can’t we stop it
What can we do
We need to fight it
Look
I know what to do
Tell us all mighty one
We will listen to you
We will go away
To a galaxy far far away
And start today
WE WILL RUN AWAY
After listening to the original version and others of this well-loved poem, we created our own. We added distinctive voices and subtle humor, and wrote with creativity and thoughtfulness. 
