Valley aglow with the holiday spirit

‘Twas three weeks before Christmas, in the new Valley city

Several creatures were stirring, perhaps 750.

They’d come to U-City for an annual celebration:

The lighting of a tree and some holiday inspiration.

The children were nestled in front of the crowd.

They sang to their neighbors and to parents so proud.

A councilman on stage yelled from his gut:

“Do we have talent in the Valley or what?”

Denny Lapikas came along this year.

His wife got him there to join in the cheer.

His grandsons, the Beckhams, took part too,

Giving their folks a break from the hullabaloo.

Kay Haack brought her dog to see the big pine.

“This is her first big event, but she’s doing just fine.”

Annie the mutt was happy all right.

She’d snatched a cookie from a boy just her height.

Now last year’s event was a simple affair.

Hundreds came down to the makeshift town square.

But the first Celebration of Lights had some flaws:

You couldn’t hear the singing and where was Mr. Claus?

This year the elves, who put the show together,

changed some things – just not the weather.

They asked businesses and churches alike,

“How can we make this year’s event just right?”

The churches brought cookies baked fresh from home

The singers were miked – you could hear them from Rome.

A bright white star shone on top of the tree,

a gift from various Valley ministries.

But did Santa find his way this time around?

He did! He came in making jolly elf sounds.

“It’s warmer down here than at the North Pole.”

Santa said the weather there is 50 below.

“I’m down here checking who’s been naughty and nice,”

Santa said to the kids, their hands cold as ice.

Zayne-Taigan Troeger, who’s all of four years,

nodded yes, he’s been good, he had nothing to fear.

Finally the time came for the night’s big event:

The lighting of the tree and all its merriment.

Santa called out for his reindeer team.

“Dasher! Dancer! Prancer!” the crowd screamed.

When Santa got to the one with the bright red nose.

The crowd yelled “Rudolph,” and then that tree – it glowed!

While the Celebration of Lights was a happy night,

thought was given to those for whom life is a fight.

People bought buttons and donated money,

making the holidays for others a bit more sunny.