'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the abode
One creature was stirring; she was cleaning the commode.
The children were sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Nintendo flipped through their heads.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV
With a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only Mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
And that made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With the toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
Ashes and soot fell from him with a shrug.
"Great!" she said, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?
Run along, Santa, I've no time for this chat."
Then out walked the clone: the mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch Young & Restless."
"Fantastic!" Mom cheered. "My dream has come true!
I can shop, I can read, I can sleep a night through!"

Then from upstairs, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared & I'm wet."
The clone replied, "Yes, dear, I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one and hummed her a tune
As she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you, too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal."
That's my child's LOVE she is trying to steal."
Smiling wisely, said Santa "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is what's needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
Then she said, "Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget it won't be very long,
When they'll be too old for my cuddle and song."

The clock on the mantle began then to chime.
Santa said to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side Santa said "So, goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear mom, and you'll be all right."