VISTA BETA TESTERS CHRISTMAS EVE 'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring not even my mouse. The dining room table with clutter was spread, with CD's and letters from MS which said. "Too bad about the drivers of which you had wrote, But third party company's have just missed the boat." Stacks of old patches some scripts and the such, were proof my de-bugging had become much too much. Our children were nestled all snug in their beds, While PlayStation 3 danced deep in their heads. As I slumped at my table near ready to drop, I remembered the photos I'd been trying to crop. I glanced at the screen of my old slow PC, It had piles of shortcuts and other odd things. Of upgrading from XP I'd worried somewhat, Since Vista had warned me I was in a dire spot. As I sat there butt frozen stuck fast in my chair, I reached for the mouse with my obstinate flair. But with one eye I glanced at how it was so late, Then the freaking mouse froze it stuck in one place. Christmas was here, and of such was my lot, That presents and goodies and toys I'd forgot. Had I not been so busy with Vista and updates, I'd not have forgotten to shop till too late. While others were buying odd things of good cheer, I'd spent my time searching for bugs and a beer. While I was thus musing my sad troubling plight, A noise on the lawn gave me such a great fright. Away to the window I stumbled and crashed, Tore open the drapes and I yanked up the sash. When what to my bloodshot eyes should appear, But an overstuffed sleigh and eight snorting reindeer. Then up to the housetop the eight reindeer flew, With a sleigh full of toys, and 'ole Santa Claus, too. And then in a twinkle, I heard on the roof, The prancing and pounding of thirty-two hoofs. The Satellite Dish was no match for their horns, And now our roof top has hoof-prints adorned. As I drew in my head, it got slammed on the sash, then down the cold chimney fell Santa--KER-RASH! "Dear" Santa had landed on the roof in a wreck, Tracked soot on the carpet I wanted to wring his fat neck. Seeing the look on my face, old Santa could see, I'd lost Christmas spirit and you'd have to agree. He spoke not a word…but went straight to his task, and filled all the stockings (I felt like an a**). Here was Ole Santa, bringing us gladness and joy; when I'd been too busy for even one toy. He spied my research on the table all spread "A Vista Beta Tester!" He cried! (My face was all red!) "Tonight I've met many like you," Santa grinned, As he pulled from his sack a book he had penned. I gazed with amazement-the cover it read, "Solving All Vistas Problems" for which you had begged. "I know what it's like doing Vista's de-bugs," He said as he gave me a great Santa hug. While the elves made the sleigh full of toys I carry, I did some research in the cold North Pole Library." "A special treat I am thus able to bring, To Vista's de-buggers who can solve not a thing. Now off you go to your bed for a rest, I'll clean up the house and this photo cropped mess." As I climbed up the stairs full of gladness and glee, I smiled back at Santa who'd brought much to me. Yet I couldn't stop wondering if Santa forgot That MS had blustered and promised a lot. I'd wanted my Vista by Christmas you see, So I'll hope over Redmond the reindeer do pee. Now settling in bed, I heard Santa's clear whistle, To his team, which then rose like the down of a thistle. And I heard him exclaim ere he flew out of sight, "De-bugging is Fun, but rest till next light. Then a final retort as he circled around, Keep uploading and posting in Vista Geek Towns. Give Vista your all with thoughtful insight, Merry Christmas to all, be nice, and Goodnight! Written by John Galt in collaboration with Felix I Oquendo With Apologies to Clement C. Moore... Copyright @ 2006
