The Great Santa

Christmas time is here again
Or nearly so, once Advent's through
The young ones have handled their pink and white candles
And wonderful presents and pudding are soon

Surely Santa is coming at last!
Surely his revelation's at hand
He'll fly on a sleigh without delay
To satisfy children's material demands

Yes, see how he rides on an eight-legged steed
From a desolate wasteland where no one has been
He carries a list, and all good little Christians
Should pray that their names are written therein

He knows who is good and he knows who is not
For Santa's good gifts are for only the good
And lasses and lads who are naughty and bad
Their sole recompense shall be fire and blood

The judgment which Santa delivers is cruel
The breath from his nostrils a northerly storm
The beard on his chin with oil shall drip:
A solemn anointment this task to perform

Day of wrath, O mourn for the wicked!
What evils await them on Christmas morn?
And what rough beast from out of the east
Slouches to Bethlehem to be born?