‘Twas just before Christmas and oh what a year
With changes a plenty, we move forward without fear;
The mission was set for a new beginning to start
And a time for each of us to play an important part.
The staff were all nestled tight in their chairs,
With goals to be met hanging high in the air;
And me in my office with bright Christmas tie,
Had just settled in knowing year end was nigh,
When out in the branch there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Out through the door and to the railing I took
Then I leaned way over to get a good look.
The lights in the lobby and those on the tree
Gave a glow to the people and to all I could see,
When what, in amazement, should I finally spot,
But a sleigh and some reindeer out in the lot,
And a little old man running up to a teller,
That I just knew was dear Santa that jolly fat fella.
Faster than a cheetah to the line he did scurry,
And he appeared to be in a terrible hurry.
“Please help me, oh help me!” I heard him yell out
”I need some assistance,” he continued to shout.
“I’m short on supplies and my cash is depleted”
“I don’t know what to do and I’m feeling defeated.”
As I heard his plea I knew just what to do
But before I could blink into action staff flew.
To an FSR station he was gently escorted,
And a loan application taken so his problems be thwarted.
Then, in a twinkling, lending staff took the lead
And approved an amount that met all of his needs.
He was also provided other services like access online,
That made his life simpler and gave peace of mind.
His eyes started twinkling, his laugh grew quite merry
His cheeks got all rosy and his nose like a cherry;
He jumped to his feet and starting dancing around
And he ran through the branch with a leap and a bound.
“You’ve saved Christmas”, he shouted, “and not just for me,”
“But for everyone everywhere, just wait and you’ll see.”
I can restock supplies that have been so diminished
So the elves can be paid and the toys all get finished.
“But well beyond that, what means most to me,
Is you treated me with kindness, the way I wanted to be.
You asked about my needs and gave me just what was right
To ensure the success of my Christmas time flight.”
“It’s not always what you say or what it is that you do,
But the way you make a person feel that really shines through.”
He thanked everyone and rushed out to his sleigh
And said one more thing as he went on his way.
“Remember”, he bellowed, “it’s the experience folks remember”
“Don’t limit that to today or the month of December”.
Then we heard him exclaim, as he went out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
