Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode, Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping all snug in their beds, while visions of Nintendo and Barbie 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, Which 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. He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug, "Oh, great," muttered Mom, "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, "So, I've made you a clone." "A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?" "Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit 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 The Young and The Restless." "Fantastic!" the Mom cheered. "My dream has come true!" "I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!" From the room above, the youngest did fret. "Mommy? Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet." The clone replied, "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, Santa said, "To me it is clear, Only one loving Mother is needed here." The Mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed. "Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, when they'll be too old for my cradle and song." The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time." With the clone by his side, Santa said, "Good night. Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you will be all right."