T’was three days before Christmas and o’er the Plateau,

Everyone was quite busy, everyone on the go;

There were so many gifts remaining to buy,

There were gifts for your lady and gifts for your guy.

If you have a friend who would like an antique,

The region is loaded with the places you seek;

Look in “Country Chic”A fine antique store,

But its collection is small you might want something more;

Sharon Porter on Cole has all kinds of stuff,

I’m sure you’d agree she has quite enough;

And if for some reason you can’t find it there,

The piece that you look for must truly be rare;

You might try “C on C” where the owner greets you,

With two floors of antiques and she’s quite helpful, too;

And visit Europa for really fine food,

And talk to the chef, he’s a really fine dude.

If you’re looking for clothes, then might I suggest,

There are some new stores that stand out from the rest;

The Platinum Hanger is filled with second-hand things,

Some clothes and accessories, even jewelry and rings;

If it’s gifts for a teen then Hil’s is still there,

She has all the clothing that youth like to wear.

But if while you’re shopping and running around,

Things get a bit hectic and you want to slow down;

Dart in the Rainier to enjoy a hot brew,

Or into the Mint for an ale or two.

The crowd that’s in Seeders is surely quite loud,

But despite all the noise you shouldn’t be cowed.

Then there are old stand-bys like the Ski Inn and Lee,

Where if you stop by you’re certain to see;

Some very good friends doing what they do,

And I’ll bet you a beer they’d like to see you;

Tamara works in the Lee as I’m sure you can tell,

From the crowd she attracts and she’s busy as hell;

And the owner, Diane, looks lovely and cool,

As she surveys her kingdom from atop a bar stool.

‘Cross the street at Ski Inn people shoot games of pool,

When your quarter comes up they’ll shoot one with you;

Leon surveys a table, he shoots a mean game,

I never play him ‘cuz my skill’s rather lame.

Now we have one more club, one that’s quite new,

A place that’s attractive, it’s called Rendezvous;

The owners are there, Wendy and Timi,

They’ll serve wine to you and they’ll also serve me;

So I sit by the fire and gaze in the flame,

And consider this column for which I’m to blame;

Then my mind drifts away as I reminisce some,

About Christmas past and this Christmas to come.

And let me take this moment to thank each of you,

For all your support of this thing that I do;

And I’ll raise my glass of seasonal cheer,

Merry Christmas to all and a happy new year!