Tim’s over-excited on Christmas Eve
But, at bedtime, Dad issues a warning
‘It’s bad luck to catch Santa Claus at work
So be sure to stay put until morning.’

Just after midnight, Tim wakes to a sound
Could the tree have come to some harm?
He puts on his slippers and creeps downstairs
With his teddy bear under his arm.

The sitting-room door is open a crack
And an old-fashioned lamp lights the room
Tim peeps through the door and to his surprise
A strange figure appears in the gloom.

He’s a plump old fellow, jolly and red
Red cheeks, red nose, red suit trimmed with white
His whiskers and beard almost cover his face
And his eyes are twinkly and bright.

As he finishes guzzling the mince pie and wine
That Dad has left out on the shelf
Santa Claus turns and speaks to the boy
(as you’ve guessed, this is Santa himself).

‘In secret, I travel to bless each house
And, of course, each child’s stocking to fill too
I’m sorry, Tim, that you’ve seen me tonight
Because now I shall have to kill you.’