John Carter Brown

Christmas comes but once a year,
But when it does we parents fear;
The kids have got it sussed you see,
It's time to fleece both you and me.

The whole year round they plot and scheme,
They make their plans, they dream their dreams;
The list of goodies they'll receive
Is getting harder to believe.

No matter how we put them off
They only sneer and laugh and scoff;
'I want the best, and I deserve
To get it! ' boy they've got a nerve.

When I was young, and one of four,
One present thrilled me to the core;
I got my other bits and such,
But now the kids they get too much.

They want it all, and on a plate,
I reckon now it's just too late;
We'll have to do as we are told
By children who are far too bold.

Our kids will win and we will lose,
'Cause they know every single ruse;
Our wallets and our purses, they
Are vacuous come Christmas day.

Written Dec 1994