Twas the night before Christmas in the Valley of the Sun
No creature was stirring, except practice for the Phoenix Suns
(Hey man, they’ve been locked out and their season starts on the 26th they better be practicing)
All of the jerseys were hung in the locker rooms with care
In hopes for playoffs and White Outs to come this year.
All of the fans were nestled in their beds
While visions of trophies and large silver cups danced in their heads.
With momma in her D-Backs hoodie and I in my favorite Cardinals cap
We had just finished watching a victory by the Lumberjacks.
(Sorry ASU fans, too soon?)
When outside there arose such a noise
I sprang out of bed to, “He shoots! He scores!”
I ran to the window just as fast as I could
Tore open the mini-blinds and gazed out into the neighborhood.
The moon shined brightly into the clear Arizona winter night
And gave the luster of mid-day to an object of size and might.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
A ‘72 convertible Impala all tricked out with chrome on the bumpers and mirrors.
With a jolly old driver, the Sedona red sled had arrived
I knew in a moment it was Santa, the red suited big guy!
Hopping down the street he came
With Stadium Rock ringing out from the speakers just like at all the games.
“Now Doaner! Now Fitzgerald! Now Nash and Upton!
On Goldschmidt! On Dudley! On Beanie and Vrbata!”
“To get to the top you’ve got to give it your all!”
“Now score away! Score away! Score away all!”
As the tumbleweeds that before a haboob will tumble
Santa drove without an obstacle while the motor rumbled.
So to the driveway he did pulled in
With the sled full of toys and the seats were of sheep’s skin.
Then in a moment I heard all of the boys
Helping Santa carry bags of goodies and toys.
I turned around and what did I see
All of the players for the Coyotes, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Suns in front of me.
They were all in their gear from head to toe
With game faces on they were ready to go.
All of the gifts were gathered in piles
As Santa was looking around and was all smiles.
Coyotes forward, Taylor Pyatt, his eyes did twinkle
Grant Hill of the Suns, his brow did show a wrinkle.
For the Cardinals Kevin Kolb was passing out presents
And the Diamondbacks Miguel Montero befriended the residents.
With Gibby and Whiz looking over the scene
Tippet and Gentry were adding lights to the holiday gleam.
Santa boasted of the coaches doing good and well,
But it’s “We are the champions the people want yell.”
For a moment I had forgotten my place
And yelled out a cheer, then Santa turned looked at me and my red face.
He smiled at me and let out a loud chuckle
It was time for the teams to go and they needed to hustle.
They all gathered in the convertible with not an inch to spare
And off they went waving and saying, “Merry Christmas take care!”
I heard Santa among the deep engine rumble, as he drove out of sight
“With blessing of playoffs for one and all, and may Christmas be merry on this night!”
© 2012
