Was the Night Before Christmas...

...and all through the place

not a creature was cooked, not even a trace.

The vegetables were peeled and chopped with care,

in hopes that soon everyone could pull up a chair.

We vegans were giddy, all warm from the rum.

As non-dairy eggnog swam in our tums.

We wore our pajamas, slippers, and tees,

and laughed at specials on the TV.

When out on the street, a car screeched to a halt.

We sprang from our couches to see who was at fault.

We pulled on our jackets and flew out the door,

so quickly, I almost slipped on the floor!

The evening was crisp, our breaths- puffs of steam.

Neighborhood Christmas lights twinkled and gleamed.

So what to our surprise was hit by the car,

but a huge wooden box, and a strange sight by far!

For a factory truck must've dropped their huge load,

directly in front of our humble abode.

A flurry of movement from the box sprang,

as eight tiny chickens clucked, peeped, and sang!

Bewildered were they as they all tumbled out,

seeing the world for the very first time, no doubt.

We gathered them up, so scrawny and light.

They were spent hens, and could no longer fight.

No use were they, as no more eggs they could lay,

but who could discard such cute creatures TODAY?

So happy they were to spread their wings,

carry about, and do chicken-y things.

No longer crammed in cold huts and cages,

they wandered our yard for what seemed like ages.

One by one, we brought them inside,

calming them as they squawked and they cried.

They huddled together on crumpled old sheets.

We all went to bed, tired from our feats.

Into the night, we slept in good moods,

dreaming of morning and wonderful foods.

We woke to clucking of the chickens we found,

in the yard happily pecking the ground.

For someone had let them out early to feed,

someone who offered them water and seed.

That someone had left behind presents for us too-

pastries, roast veggies, and warm vegan stew!

The delicious aromas made stomachs grumble-

Potatoes, green beans, and sweet apple crumble!

Also displayed on our dining room table,

was a hand-written card, candles holding it stable.

We all gathered 'round as I read it aloud-

"What you did for those chickens, sure made me proud!

For all beings deserve peace and good will,

and people forget -to care is a skill.

Freedom to roam and breathe the fresh air,

is never a privilege we cannot share.

It's something no one can deny to be true,

that no matter what, we are animals too.

Have a wonderful day filled with good food and glee.

Merry Christmas to all! Much love, S.C."

Eggless Vegan Apple Cider Eggnog

This is a rich creamy drink mixed with tart apple cider. This works well with pear cider as well. If already spiced, you can cut back on the seasonings.

Makes 2 big mugs.

Ingredients:

1/2 C. roasted cashews

1 C. soymilk

1 C. natural apple cider

1-2 tsp. agave nectar (to taste)

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

dark rum (optional, to taste)

Spinz:

Simmer all ingredients except the rum in a saucepan until cashews are tender (about 5-10 minutes). Not to worry when the soymilk curdles! Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Mix in rum. Serve warm.