T’was The Night Before Christmas (Recovery Version)

T'was the night before Christmas went all through the hall

Not a member was stirring, nor sought alcohol

Coffee and cookies were set out with care

More AA members soon would be there

Each grateful member with no trace of vanity

Gave thanks to the Power that restores us to sanity

The leader of the meeting, like all who have missions

Assigned Chapter Five and The Twelve Traditions

When outside the hall there arose such a clatter

We sprang from our chairs to see what was the matter

In parking a car some bumpers were hit

The man who was wrong did promptly admit

And so to our grateful eyes did appear

Out famous guest speaker, loved far and near

More rapid than eagles the member than came

He hugged them and kissed them and called them by name

Hi Alice; ‘lo Jimmy and God love you Harry…

Betty and Carol and Birthday boy Larry!

Again we all settled and ready to share

The leader of the meeting led the Serenity Prayer

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly

When they meet with and obstacle mount to the sky

So up to sobriety the members they flew

With the Twelve to follow, Twelve Traditions too

The Seventh Tradition inevitably came

The leader then called out speaker by name

He wore his red suit, red cap and no tie

But soon let us know with a wink of his eye

That Christmas for us we must learn to think

Means staying away from the very first drink

A bundle of joys he told us we’d find

“Read the Big Book for true peace of mind”

At the end of the meeting he led the Prayer

And gave us the word; Continue to share”

But I heard him exclaim as he picked up his pack

”Don’t ever forget to “Keep Coming Back!”

Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays!

Blessings,

Chop wood, carry water