And now, for something slightly different, a parody of a well known Christmas poem in the Style of my "married in Japan" email list

(by Charmaine Minami)

The Night Before Christmas on MIJ.

`Twas the night before Christmas,and all through the house
The only sound to be heard,was the click of a mouse.
My old stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that DH would buy a new pair.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While Pokemon and Barbie danced in their heads;
And DH at the kotatsu,myself at the screen,
Had just settled down for a quiet Christmas E`en.

So,I clicked on MIJ for a bit of a natter,
But the chat room was empty,oh well,didn`t matter.
Away to my digests I flew like a flash,
I`d fallen behind in the pre-Christmas rush.

I read through the messages,poured out a wine,
Popped back again to try chatting on-line.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But eight of my MIJ sisters so dear!

I was truly excited,you all made my day,
And I knew in a moment why I joined MIJ.
With rants,jokes and problems and queries they came,
A great group of women I all knew by name.

"Now Karen! now,Quenby! now Jodie and Susan!
On,Carol! on,Cindy! on,Dana and Kirsten!
Is everyone here? So let`s have a ball!
Chat away! Chat away! Chat away all! "

We chatted for hours,oh doesn`t time fly,
When you`re having fun? I laugh till I cry.
DH calls "There`s a man in red ,come take a peek!"
"Tell him I`m busy, to come back next week!

And then in a twinkling I heard a small cough
"Isn`t it time to switch that thing off?"
As I clicked off the computer and was turning around,
A small present from DH was there to be found.

He spoke not a word as I opened the gift,
And tried on the stockings,and then oh so swift,
Placing his hands either side of my face
He gave me a kiss and a loving embrace.

We sprang to the bed,and turned out the light,
And after a bit of a cuddle that cold night
I was heard to exclaim," I`m so glad your my man!
And I`m very,very happy to be MARRIED IN JAPAN!!!"