And then, all at once,
  With a whisk and a whistle,
And twisting himself
  Like a tough bit of gristle,
He bounced up again,
  Like the down of a thistle,
  And nothing was left but the prints of his shoes.

At the break of Christmas Day,
  Through the frosty starlight ringing,
Faint and sweet and far away,
  Comes the sound of children, singing,
  Chanting, singing,
  "Cease to mourn,
  For Christ is born,
  Peace and joy to all men bringing!"

Careless that the chill winds blow,
  Growing stronger, sweeter, clearer,
Noiseless footfalls in the snow
  Bring the happy voices nearer;
  Hear them singing,
  "Winter's drear,
  But Christ is here,
  Mirth and gladness with Him bringing!