A/N: Happy Holidays, everyone! So I was going through my list of stories earlier this week, whilst sitting lazily on the couch with the traditional cookies and milk, and I discovered an interesting trend: I write WAAAY too many sad poems. Where are all the happy ones? And having just (re)read "A Christmas Carol", I decided to make this cheerful little ditty (am I using that word correctly?) my own little Christmas present to all of you, as a great big "thank-you" card for supporting me and my stories for eight long months. Seriously, without you guys, FanFiction wouldn't be a tenth as great as it is. Enjoy the story, and here's to a great start in 2014! And of course:

"God bless us, everyone!"

A London winter is dreadful, to being with.

Cold, gnawing, biting gales chill the bones,

Taking away all and nothing to give,

Leaving all men to fly for their homes.

Cravats wrapped tight and stockings pulled high,

You'd expect everyone to mind their own business.

But a familiar echo rings out as strangers pass by,

That age-old phrase: "To all, a very Merry Christmas!"

Yes, it's Christmas again,

In this dismal old town.

The wreaths are put up

And the hatreds torn down.

Every young fool is merry, every rascal and rough,

As snowflakes fall down, like marshmallow fluff.

Banquets are thrown and there's turkeys to have.

For those in great pain, holiday cheer is the salve.

Church bells ring in gladness, and chestnuts start to burn.

Everyone stops to smile for Yuletide's kind return.

But in this great fanfare, with so many coming to call:

You just might ask: "Who is merriest of all?"

Why it's the carol boy, of course, with his charming little grin.

He sings the known hymns in every tavern and inn.

No one knows his name, but no one wants another.

So when an old miser opens his door,

Aching to stop his roar,

You can bet he'll wink and say: "Penny for the song, guv'nor?"

So when you're sitting at home today, checking off the gifts of your list,

Remember the Londoners in all their unprofitable bliss.

I solemnly swear it's something you don't want to miss.