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One Christmas Eve I sat up late, hoping for the chance,
To catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and hear the reindeer prance;
I would prove to everyone he really does exist,
'Cause I would get his autograph on this year's Christmas list.
On Christmas Eve it's customary for the family to retire,
Quite early since the house gets cold in the absence of a fire;
The grate was cold, we didn't want Santa to get burned,
He comes down the chimney, at least that's what I learned.
I know 'twas well past midnight, I heard the clock chime twice,
I guess I must have dozed off, I was wakened by a voice;
Before me in a tattered coat and old grey hat to match,
Was a jolly old man, sayin', Ho, Ho, Ho, whose name I didn't catch.
"I'm very pleased to meet you," he said with a grin,
"I don't often meet the clientele when I come in."
I rubbed my eyes and stared at him and asked him who he was,
He smiled and his eyes twinkled, "Why me, I'm Santa Claus!"
Now I wasn't 'bout to fall for anybody's trick,
Anyone could see he wasn't dressed like old Saint Nick;
"No," he said, "I'm not in red and you might think it queer,
My suit's home with my sleigh and all of my reindeer.
These days it's hard to get around unnoticed by the crowd,
So I dress more in simple clothes that are not quite as loud;
I used to wear that suit but people always stopped and stared,
Now my only trademark is my age-old, long, white beard.
Then he reached into his sack, placed gifts beneath the tree,
Once he looked up from his work to give a wink at me;
Then I showed the list to Santa, asking for his autograph,
"Proof," I said, "that you were here," and I heard him softly laugh.
From inside his coat he took a pen and I watched him slowly write:
Santa Claus was here.... Merry Christmas, Paul.... Goodnight!
I woke next day, the words were gone, so what else could I think:
Santa wrote his autograph with disappearing ink!
If I ever chance to see Santa Claus again,
I'll be sure his autograph is written with my pen;
How could I ever hope to prove he really does exist,
When Santa used a magic pen to sign my Christmas list?
