The Noche before Christmas (author unknown)

Twas the noche before Christmas and all through la casa,

not a creature was stirring – Caramaba! Que Pasa?

The niños were tucked away in their camas,

some in vestidos and some in pijamas.

While hanging the stockings con much cuidado,

in hopes that old Santa would feel obligado.

To bring all children both Buenos y malos,

a nice patch of dulces and otros regalos.

Outside in the yard there arose such a grito,

that I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.

I run to the window and looked out afuera,

and who in the world do you think that it era?

Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero,

came dashing along like a crazy bombero.

And pulling his sleigh instead of venados,

were eight tiny burros approaching velados.

I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre,

was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre,

“Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Beto,

Ay Chato, a Chopo, ay Macuco, y Nieto!”

Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho,

he flew to the top of our own techo.

With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea,

he struggled to squeeze down our chiminea.

Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala,

With soot spread all over his red suit de Gala.

He filled all the stockings with lovely regalos,

because none of the children had been very malos.

Then chuckling aloud and seeming muy contento,

he turned like a flash and was gone like the viento.

And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad,

Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!