A Pfister Take on “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”
Each year, on the day after Thanksgiving, the Pfister Hotel holds its annual tree lighting ceremony. Featuring cookies and crafts for the kids, the fabulous carols of the Bel Canto Chorus, and a special appearance by the jolly ol’ man himself, this year’s ceremony was as memorable as those past. But did you know about the work that goes into setting up our tree? For hours prior to the ceremony – starting on Thanksgiving day, the tree is tirelessly assembled by a fantastic group of people. And just to give them their due, we’ve captured all of that work in a minute and a half.
Twas the night of Thanksgiving
And all throughout the hotel
Holiday magic was happening
Compliments of Santa’s Secret Decorating Elves
The Pfister tree went up overnight
To the amazement of staff and guests
The elves were frantically working
Scurrying back and forth I can attest.
As Friday dawned bright and early
The lobby was full of holiday decorations
The garland, the bows, and the ornaments,
The last minute preparations.
For soon the lobby would be full
With children squealing in glee.
Santa would soon be arriving
To officially light the Pfister tree.
The Bel Canto Chorus began signing
Their voices in perfect tune
The carols they were lovely
And they helped set the right mood
The radio then buzzed
“JOE TO OMAR COME IN”
“OUR SPECIAL VIP HAS ARRIVED”
“WITH MILWAUKEE’S FINEST FIREMEN”
Omar than made the announcement,
The crowd hushed to hear him say
“BOYS AND GIRLS I HAVE A SANTA SIGHTING”
“AND HE’S COMING ON A FIREMAN’S SLEIGH”
The doors then burst open
Santa marched down the lobby aisle
Up to Omar he strode,
With a jolly laugh and big smile
“THIS TREE IS JUST LOVELY”
Santa said with a grin,
“BUT I THINK WE NEED TO LIGHT IT UP”
“TO LET THIS CELEBRATION BEGIN”
“10-9-8-7”
The crowd and Santa cheered with great glee.
“6-5-4-3-2-1”
“NOW LIGHT UP THAT TREE”
The she was aglow
As were many the faces
Santa visited with each child
Sticky hands and sticky faces
The day it was grand
The Pfister tree shines so bright
Merry Christmas to all
And to all a good night.
By Michelle McCarragher