'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through our streets,
Not a building was tumbling; isn't that a treat!
The buildings were saved, 'cause Christmas is here,
Even wreckers take holidays this time of year.

Trojans still struggling and scratching their heads,
More nightmares of drug stores, malls, and such dreads;
Parking lots! Parking lots? This is enough,
Just maybe it's time for US to get tough!

Out on the street you can hear all the chatter,
Get rid of the bums who say, "Troy doesn't matter."
Fix all the streets and clean up the trash,
Let's save all our history and rake in the cash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Reflects on historic facades and their windows.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
Another busload of tourists, wanting to buy HERE.

At the wheel was a driver as sweet as a lamb,
I knew in a moment it was dear Uncle Sam.
More rapid than an eagle he was quick to proclaim,
Let's thank those who believe in this city by name:
Now Clements, now Famous, now no one gets left,
On Bruegger's, on Manory's, even Mary Elizabeth.
Go forward he says, to his tourists, stand tall,
Spend cash today! Cash today! Cash today all!

So the tourists sprang forth like a flock of reindeer,
Opened their wallets, paused for Troy Pub beer.
Often they stopped and gave out a stare,
Uttering, "what beautiful buildings, and history to spare!"

And then, in a moment, I knew there was proof,
Promoting Troy's history wasn't a goof.
As I stood to admire the jewels all around,
Another good tourist appears, with a bound.

He was covered in fur from his foot to his head,
Had a large white beard, and was dressed all in red.
A bundle of items he had flung on his back,
From buying as much as the rest of the pack.

His eyes -- still they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
He shouted with glee at the bargains he carried.
No matter the cold, or the air that was misty,
He loved spending money in buildings with history.

But then once again he gritted his teeth,
He saw boarded up buildings on top and beneath,
His large broad face and round little belly,
Shook when he cried, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was angry once more, not his jolly old self,
Cause more buildings of Troy, gone, in spite of himself.
But a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He called all who would listen around him to hear,
A plan to save Troy that will start this New Year.
So he told all the troops to jot down this note,
That next year we'll change Troy with the American vote.

He stepped back, and sighed, he knew of his task,
Spreading the word that our future's our past.
But he knew he was confident, he had all the troops,
And gave them instructions, prepare, and regroup.

He walked with all smiles then gave us a whistle,
And away he flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, TROY'S FUTURE'S STILL BRIGHT!