Sea Shanties By The Seashore For Christmas

Photo by: Katja Anokhina (@katjaano) | Unsplash Photo Community

“Pour me another one, barkeep,” said Steve as he sat at the end of the bar in the small seaside town. He had been enjoying the Christmas carols sung as seaside shanties by the local artist.

“This has been quite the Christmas Eve,” he said loudly to any and all who were within earshot.

“Indeed,” rumbled the man on the barstool next to him wearing a Captain’s hat. 

“Almost time for a visit from St. Nick,” Steve rambled on with a definite sway to his voice. 

“Indeed, " replied the Captain. 

“Maybe a little Twas The Night Before Christmas,” added Steve, “although,” he said as he tried to check his watch, “the kids may be in bed.”

“Twas The Night Before Christmas is quite the steady story, what with the guy asleep in his cap and there was such a clatter.”

“A steady story?” mumbled Steve. 

“Aye. I heard that he stole the idea from the Captain of the HMS Penobscot. Quite the tale too.” The Captain took a swig of his rum and egg nog.

“The Night Before Christmas is an old sea tale?”

“Aye. Mighty fine,” as he set his glass on the bar.

“Let’s hear it then.”

The salty old sea captain eyed Steve. 

'Twas the night before Christmas, the ship sailed the seas

The whales were frolicing, the passengers at ease

Sleeping in hammocks swinging from the beams

Dreaming of land, free of seasickness and disease

Presents were scarce, the trip was so long

The best they could hope for was captured in song

The parents were worried, wanting better for their kids

Without losing their lives by flipping their lids

When the night watchman called out, “What is this that I see?”

The Captain rushed to the sound of distress in his need.

“Has the fresh air forsaken that which you see?” 

“Nae Captain,” was said as each swell did heave.

“Sighting at port, north by northwest

By the light of the moon I do not say this in jest.

A sailor is spotted this far out to sea 

Bright red in clothing with a back pack indeed”

Closing in quickly he signalled his intent

To board the vessel with a signs he did invent

The next thing they knew he was standing right there

Smiling and joking and sharing rum with great care

“Now Captain thank you for letting me come aboard

This fine ship you rule by the strength of your sword

I come in peace with presents for sure

Giving gifts to all without any final allure”

“Gifts," replied the captain, “all pass through me.

I will dole out to all that I see.”

The man in the red suit looked him in the eye

“It’s Christmas,” he shouted, “I won’t be denied.

You may be the defender of this ship

By my authority I challenge you on this trip.”

Swords in hand, tempers did flare 

Santa just stood there as if he was aware

The captain’s dance had tired him out

So he spoke with with the confidence of doubt

“Have your way my well fed man

Are milk and cookies a part of the plan?”

Quick as a flash Santa placed a gift by each child

“I will know if they are stolen,” he finally allowed.

The captain and his men felt the weight of their sins

Fell to their knees with tardy chagrin

Santa stood there fresh in the night

“Happy Christmas to all, you have done something right”

The bartender placed a fresh rum and egg nog in front of the salty old sea captain. 

Steve had watched him with fascination during the story. “That’s it? That’s the story? Santa saves Christmas aboard an old wooden schooner? Some of the lines don’t make much sense.”

The captain looked past Steve, out the window and pointed. Steve turned.  On the water, by the light of the moon, was a man in a red suit surfing across the bay. 

“Any other questions?” inquired a smirking Captain.

Steve shook his head as he downed the rest of his beverage and headed home.