What if Santa did his nightly rounds horseback, and left his reindeer at the North Pole? This Christmas poem ponders the good, the bad and the funny if Santa saddled up.
As the days grow cold and crisp and short
And we’re in winter clothes again
We still smile as our hands are froze
Christmas is ‘round the bend.
We’ve made our lists and wishes
We try to get along with kin
So we can reap rewards on Christmas Eve
When Santa Clause flies in.
When I think of ol’ Kris Kringle
I have to stop and really wonder,
Is a sleigh lugged round by reindeer eight
The best way to haul our plunder?
See, if Santa hit a long trot
Instead of sitting in his sleigh,
Would I get my presents quicker
To my tree for Christmas day?
I’m sure he likes his caribou just fine
But would it throw him way off course,
If just once he threw a saddle on
And made his rounds upon a horse?
I vote he tries it, just this once
And swaps out his cushy sleigh
For a strapping mare with a long, smooth stride
To bring our gifts this holiday.
He’ll travel light across the sky
Reins loose and stirrups long,
He won’t miss ol’ Blitzen, not a bit
Shoot, what could possibly go wrong?
Well, I guess his mare could throw a shoe
And come up crippled lame,
Or eat too many peppermints
And colic – that would be a shame.
On second thought, the risks are large
What if she’s bothered and distraught?
And runs laps around her pen that day
Not wanting to be caught?
She might be snorty about that sled
And I bet she isn’t broke
To a bag that’s stuffed plumb full with toys
Or a flapping, velvet cloak.
That cold, crisp sky on Christmas Eve
Might find her fresh and full of folly,
And I’m guessing that when he bucks down
Santa’s mood is less than jolly.
Will she ground-tie up atop a roof
While Santa shimmies down?
Or will he come back out the chimney
To find his filly’s left the town?
The more I think, the more I know
A horse could be a mess,
For a Christmas Eve that’s drama free
Tried and true just might be best
But for the big man in the suit
His sleigh and deer will do just fine
To deliver Christmas loot
I guess he ought to fly his reindeer
For a smooth and easy travel,
Though I have no doubt ol’ Santa’s view
Would be better from the saddle.
