11/14/2024
Here’s a Jimmy Buffett-inspired twist on a holiday classic… ☀️🎄🎅🏻
Twas the Night Before Christmas, in Paradise
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the sand,
Not a creature was stirring, not even the band.
The hammocks were strung by the palm trees with care,
In hopes that St. Buffett soon would be there.
The parrotheads nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of boat drinks danced in their heads.
And I in my flip-flops and bright floral cap,
Had just settled down for a long island nap.
When out on the beach there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the shoreline I flew like a breeze,
Tripping on coconuts and brushing off leaves.
The moon on the waves of the sparkling sea,
Gave the look of pure magic - just pure ecstasy.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature boat and eight dolphins drawing near.
With the Captain on deck, a shake and a shimmy,
I knew in a moment, this must be our Jimmy.
More rapid than seagulls his flippers they swam,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
“Now Mango! Now Mojo! Now Marley and Louie!
On Rasta! On Sandy! On Coco and Dewey!
To the tip of the reef! To the top of the waves!
Let’s cruise through the ocean, and laugh as it plays!”
So up to the shoreline the dolphins they dashed,
With a boat full of treasures, all perfectly stashed.
And then, with a splash, I heard on the sand,
The steps of St. Buffett with a drink in his hand.
He was dressed all in linen, from head to his toes,
And his clothes were all spattered with sand and stuff from old shows.
A bundle of conch shells he had flung over his shoulder,
And he looked like a sailor, maybe a little bit older.
His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were sun-kissed, his nose like a cherry!
His mustached grin spread as wide as the sea,
And his laughter? It sparkled, so wild and free.
He had a bronzed face, and a belly that jiggled,
When he let out a chuckle, it downright wriggled.
He gave me a wink and a swig from his drink,
Then filled all the beach hats, quick as a blink.
He spoke not a word but went straight to his fun,
Tossing out leis and his bag weighed a ton.
And laying his fingers aside of his brow,
With a tip of his hat, he gave one last vow:
“Merry Christmas, my friend, keep it sunny and bright,
May your worries be few, and your boat travel light.
And if ever life’s stresses feel heavy, don’t fight —
Just sit by the ocean and sing Bubbles Up through the night!”
Then he hopped in his dinghy, and his team gave a cheer,
And away they all floated till they disappeared.
But I heard him exclaim, as he sailed out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
🩷🎄🎅🏻
