MARK MY WORD: 'TWAS THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE WAS ITED

'Twas the night after Christmas when all through the house, everyone was exhausted, even the mouse.

OK, we don't have a mouse, but if we did, he would be exhausted too.

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care. We don't have a chimney.

And the children weren't nestled all snug in their beds. They were still excited about all those presents they got.

Santa worked overtime at our home this year.

I know that for a fact because Joni and I worked late at night and into the early hours of Christmas morning as Santa's elves.

Unlike the flight attendants, we didn't call in sick.

I was seeing red by the time I crawled wearily into bed on Christmas morning, but I'm not sure if it was Rudolph.

Exhaustion seemed a more likely explanation.

I don't recall any prancing or pawing inside or outside our house. If there were any reindeer games, I didn't see it.

Still, Joni and I were more than glad to help.

Even Santa needs help putting together all those toys, which come with a boatload of directions in assorted languages.

If you really want a challenge, try putting together a children's kitchen at 2 in the morning while reading the instructions in French.

Actually, I wouldn't advise it because even assembly instructions in English can be downright confusing, like listening to Furby talk.

Speaking of Furby, the cuddly fur ball of an electronic gadget was a big hit with our kids, as well as our nieces and nephews.

Becca and Bailey got their share of dolls and doll furniture.

My sister gave them their own makeup cases, complete with enough makeup to outfit a whole vaudeville show.

The day after Christmas, I spotted Bailey with circles of makeup around her eyes. She looked like a raccoon.

It's ironic that we spend countless hours cleaning our homes for the holidays only to trash it with a mountain of wrapping paper and emptied present boxes on Christmas morning.

Still, there's nothing like watching Christmas through the eager eyes of your children.

For 6-year-old Becca and 3-year-old Bailey, Christmas is a magical time.

Bailey was thrilled to see that Santa ate two whole lemon cookies and drank the cup of milk that we had set out for him.

It was a great Christmas because we had plenty of batteries on hand for all those energy-draining toys.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow gave a luster of midday to objects below.

Actually, that was our mountain of outside lights, connected to a whole yard full of extension cords, which managed to keep shining without blowing a fuse.

On Saturday, Joni ventured out early for those after-Christmas sales. She brought home a Mickey Mouse yard ornament to add to our collection of outside lights.

With all these lights, I'm thinking of putting in my own power plant next year. It's either that or invest in UE.

All in all, we were well stocked this year with everything from food to toys.

I can't say much more. My batteries are running low and in need of a long winter's nap.

I'm not so sure about Furby.

~Mark Bliss is a staff writer for the Southeast Missourian.