‘Twas the holiday season, two zero one nine
And the year has been good, we’re all feeling fine.
There’s been a lot of good stuff and mostly success
Though there was, to be sure, the occasional stress.
So we all at Freedom just keep rolling along
Serving our community, making sure we stay strong.
And I my office with scented candles all glowing
Was thinking of ways for us to keep growing.
When out in the lobby I heard a sounded like crying
I jumped from my chair and out my door I went flying.
I raced down the hall then swiftly downstairs
In order to see what caused the commotion down there.
And what, to my shock, did come into sight
But a man all in red, his face pale with fright.
His clothes were all tattered and wet from the snow
I could tell it was Santa despite his voice full of woe.
I asked what was wrong, what brought him to this state.
He said, “My reindeer won’t fly right. Christmas could be late.
You see I think something went wrong with their magical feed.
Now they only fly backwards or upside down at odd speed.”
“It seems the elves special eggnog got into their hay
Now nothing I do will keep them from going astray.
I’ve talked to the vet who has some sure fix medication,
But the ingredients are expensive for such a libation.”
“The kind of money it requires is quite monumental
And insurance won’t cover something so experimental.
Sure, I could travel by truck, train and plane
But the logistics of that would be simply insane.”
“Besides, there’s an expectation of sleigh bells and my reputation
Not having my reindeer would create too much frustration.”
I said, “Santa, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place.
“Our Anything Loan will do the trick and help you save face.”
“We can get you the funds for this and anything you please
With the very best of terms that will put your mind at ease.
“But Santa”, I said, “the money in question might not be needed
For there’s some advice I can give that should really be heeded.”
I said, “While it may not have been reindeer with the ability to fly
I’ve seen similar experiences that just might apply.
People that were afflicted in much the same way
When the special eggnog came out around the holiday.”
I know of an old remedy that should do the trick
So, I started concocting a potion for dear old St Nick.
A pinch of this, a dash of that and Pepto a plenty,
A little hair of the dog to help it go down more gently.
Santa sighed with relief knowing everything would be fine
His status intact and reindeer good as new just in time.
He said, “I can’t thank you enough for your help and understanding
For patiently listening and my problem comprehending.”
“Whether it was help with a loan or the right piece of advice
I knew Freedom was the place to provide all that would suffice.”
You came through like always as you do for all your members
And showed Freedom doesn’t think of me as just a number.”
Once all the reindeer were cured and he was ready to fly
Santa boarded his sleigh with a tear in his eye.
I thought he was crying, but soon realized I was wrong.
Because I forgot about the side effects that could be quite strong.
Before he took off, he wrapped his scarf ‘round his face tight
And looked at me wryly as he started on his flight.
He said, “I am happy, it’s true, there’s no need to assume
But you could have warned me about these horrible fumes.”
We both laughed out loud and my shoulders I shrugged
But I guess this is what happens when reindeer get drugged.
Then I heard him exclaim as he flew out of sight
“Happy Christmas…WHEW!…to all and…GEEZ PRANCER!..to all a…AWWW C’MON!!!!!!…good night!
Mike MacPherson
President and CEO
Freedom Federal Credit Union