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'Twas the day before Christmas, and all through the Clinic Not a creature was stirring -- not even a cynic. The patients were sitting around in each chair, In hopes that the Doctors soon would be there. The nurses were grouped in a huddle of seven With visions of quiet and angels in Heaven! And Herb in his kerchief and Joe in his cap Had gone to the back for a much needed nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter Ruby sprang to her feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window John flew like a flash -- He was all in a dither to see who had a gash. The cars in the street had an unearthly glitter Two cars mashed together. Now what could be fitter? When what to Faye's wondering eyes did appear But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, Ralph was his name, He soon made us know that this wasn't a game! More rapid than eagles the telephones came And he whistled and shouted and called them by name, "Come Gubler, Come Mayo, Come Johnson and Vixen, On Taylor, On Millburn, on Donner and Blitzen. To the top of the porch, to the top of the hill Now dash away dash away, bringing a pill!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky, So up to the hilltop the Doctors they flew And they took along Ralph and St. Nicholas, too. As I drew in my breath and was turning around Through the front door Max came with a bound. She was dressed in fine togs from her head to her feet And the smile on her lips was so tender and sweet. Mary Ellen is home, playing house like a lady. She's all in a dither. She has a new Baby! A bundle of mops Les had flung on his back And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes now they twinkled, his dimple how merry, His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. Lillian's droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And Velma's hair was turning white as the snow. A mistletoe spray Elvera held in her teeth And the Spirit of Xmas encircled her head like a wreath. Beth had a slim face and a flat little tummy! An arm round her waist would really be chummy. Edith is with us - a right Jolly old elf And she laughs when she meets us in spite of herself. With a wink of her eye and a twist of her head Donna gave us to know she had nothing to dread. St. Nick spoke not a word but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, Then turned with a jerk And laying a finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod up the chimney he rose. Six o'clock came, Dr. Gub gave a whistle And away we all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim as he drove on his way, "Happy Xmas to all. Have a nice Xmas day!"