Twas the night before Christmas, and all through this land,
I could not find a worker, who would understand.
I wanted to buy presents for my three little boys,
But the mall rats were just talking and making such noise!

The workers were nestled all dressed in their shreds,
While visions of closing time danced in their heads.
I stood there all snow bound and wanting some help,
"I want to spend money," I pleaded and yelped.

I entered each store but it didn't really matter,
As each mall clerk saw me, they hurried and scattered.
A bundle of nerves, I laid on my back,
To lower my stress, and to keep focused - on track.

When out of the mall, I heard such a clatter,
"Buy on the Net, and keep your wallet fatter."
So away to my Mac, I flew like a flash,
Logged on to eBay, and shelled out my cash.

But the moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave light to my purchases, the quality was low.
I tossed up my hands, giving up I feared,
But then a small sleigh and eight reindeer appeared.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a minute, he wasn't some hick,
But our dear Uncle Sam to lay down the claim,
"Buy it in Troy," and uttered the names:

Buy Clements! Buy, Book Outlet! Buy, Mary Elizabeth too!
A stroll down River Street for antiques or brand new!
To the top of your wish list, be it large or small,
Spend your cash, spend your cash, spend it here - all!

Like toadstools springing from a fresh morning rain,
The shoppers, and me, spread through our city of fame,
And up to the cash registers, these shoppers all flew,
Spending in Troy like Sam wanted us to!

And then, with an inkling, we gave him the proof,
Spending in Troy wasn't a goof!
As I opened my wallet, and lay the cash down,
Another good shopper appeared with a bound.

This new found Trojan from his foot to his head,
Knew that Troy's greatness would again spread and spread.
A bundle of deeds he held in his hand,
From buying as much Troy as he possibly can.

His eyes -- still they twinkled! His vision how merry!
He shouted with glee at the bargains he carried.
No matter the cold, or the air that was misty,
He loved buying buildings holding Troy's great history.

No more buildings boarded atop or beneath,
He flatly declared and gritted his teeth,
We will fix all the streets and even the alleys,
Then get all Trojans to wake up and rally!

He was certain and sure but I still had some fear,
That our great buildings would soon go, no more shopping sprees here.
But a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

And then I remembered and started to cheer,
A new group of citizens will rule this New Year.
I stepped back, regrouped, I knew of our task,
Spreading the word that our future's still our past.

I walked with all smiles down River and whistled,
My worries away, they flew like the down of a thistle.
Not far in the future, Troy again will stand tall,
So, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From one Trojan to all!