A Genealogist’s Christmas Eve

December 21, 2012

We hope you have enjoyed the holiday stories that we’ve shared with you in our last few blogs. From all of us at MGC to all of you, we wish you the very best for a merry and safe holiday season.

Please enjoy the following genealogist's version of a Christmas tale:

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.

The dining room table with clutter was spread with pedigree charts and with letters which said..."Too bad! The data for which you wrote sank in a storm on an ill-fated boat."

Stacks of old copies of wills and such, were proof that my hobby had become just too much. Our children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of mega toys danced in their heads.

But I at my table was ready to drop from work on my albums with photos to crop. Christmas was here, and such was my lot that presents and goodies and toys I’d forgot.

Had I not been busy with grandparents’ wills, I’d not have forgotten to shop for such thrills. While others bought gifts to bring Christmas cheer, I’d spent my time researching birth dates and years.

While I was musing about my sad plight, a clamor outside brought a heart stopping fright. Away to the window I flew in a flash, tore open the drapes and yanked up the sash.

Then what to my wondering eyes should appear? An overstuffed sleigh and eight small reindeer. Up to our rooftop the reindeer flew, with a sleigh full of toys and ‘ol Santa, too.

Then in a twinkle I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of thirty-two hooves. I drew in my head, it hit hard on the sash, down the cold chimney fell Santa KER-RASH!

Santa had come from the roof in a wreck; tracking soot on the carpet (I could wring his short neck)! Spotting my face, good ‘ol Santa could see I had NO Christmas spirit, you’d even agree.

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work filling all of the stockings, (I felt like a jerk). Here was Santa bringing such gladness and joy when I’d been too busy to buy even one toy!

He spied my research on the table all spread, “A Genealogist!” he cried, (my face turned all red). “Tonight I’ve met many like you” Santa grinned as he pulled from his sack a large book he had penned.

I gazed in delight-the cover it read Genealogy Lines for Which You Have Pled. “I know what it’s like for a genealogy bug” he said as he gave me a great Santa hug.

While the elves make the sleigh full of toys I now carry, I did some research in the North Pole Library! This wonderful treat I’m now able to bring to genealogy folk who just can’t find a thing.

“Now off you go to your bed for a rest. I’ll clean up for you this ‘history-cal’ mess.” I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee, and smiled back at Santa who’s brought something to me.

While settling in bed I heard Santa’s clear whistle to those reindeer who rose from our roof like the down of a thistle. I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight, "Genealogy is FUN! Merry Christmas, Goodnight!"

-Author Unknown

Contributed by Ellen M.
Midwest Genealogy Center