Carol Fisher Linn
Twas days before Christmas in Ellicottville Town; Ms. Mouse was beguiled at the joy all around. Her babies were at mouse school, counting the days … vacation was coming after concerts and plays.
Ski slopes were open, more snow’s on the way. Ellicottville’s always the best place to play. With so much to do and so much to see, Ms. Mouse scampered first to the top of Ski Tree. From the middle of town she had a great view; she rested and she wondered what first should she do?
This month’s Stroll with the reindogs and sheep, made her remember why it’s Christmas we keep. The Holy Family with their baby so sweet, filled our hearts with love for all that we meet.
To stay in that spirit, she sped down each ski, then ran to Holy Name, the Nativity to see. From there the Gazebo looked cheery and bright, so she scooched up the stairs with all of her might. The view down our main street made her sparkling eyes pop; she knew she must somehow check out every shop. The window displays created fantasy lands with ribbons and wreaths and streaming garlands.
She launched down the street, to see all the sights. The smell of hot chocolate filled her heart with delight. The windows invited her to see all the wares, there were reindeer and puppies and fat teddy bears. She waved at the gnomes, and admired the trees … the clothing, the shoes and a pause for a … sneeze! Was she getting a cold at this holiday season? Mom mice can’t get sick – her kids are the reason. 
This Adventure was Bound to tire her it’s true. She rested on a lift chair as precious minutes flew. The clothing in windows looked cozy you know, with so many duds that were best for the snow. So much to consider as she ran down Monroe – a massage, Noni’s meatballs and spirits to go. She crossed the main road finding cupcakes and beers, clothing and health foods to add to her years. Sponge candy from Watson’s topped her long list, yet she was worried there was something she missed. With toys on her mind, she rushed to Kazoo – the windows were filled with a Jellycats Zoo. Next door she went Daffy to see the hats and the shoes and saw purple when gazing at socks for her crew.
The aromas from Dinas made her hungry for lunch, she snatched a tidbit from CLAWS cats for a nourishing crunch. She heard about the Skatepark and ran there to see; it was icy – she slid down squealing with glee. Scampering to the Arboretum she rested in awe; the peace and the silence was the gift that she sought.
Getting her wind, she took a long run to see the alpacas and join in their fun. Hitching a ride on a truck she hopped off at The Valley – found people skiing and laughing and being quite jolly. She smiled remembering Edna, a lady so fine, who can be remembered when at The Valley you dine. She heard that HoliMont was opening soon, in time for the skiers, boarders and snowshoers, too!
Looking at the clock in the middle of town, she knew her adventure was soon winding down. Scampering through main street she stopped and she beamed. The lights in the village made everything gleam. It looked like a fairy tale straight out of Grimm. The only thing missing was a visit from HIM!
She ran home in a hurry to fed her hungry crew – helped with homework, read stories and baked cookies too. Before they realized, the magical night had arrived, and the wee house was filled with squeals and fun vibes. Joining the community, they headed to church to celebrate Christmas and to sing of Christ’s birth.
Soon, tucked in their beds, the mouse kids pretended to sleep; in hopes that a vision of Santa they’d peek. And then, it did happen, or so I am told, the mouse kids heard Santa outside in the cold. They ran to the window and indeed it was true, they watched the sleigh and the reindeer as off the rooftop they flew. And (I quote) they heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”