‘Twas the Market Before Christmas

‘Twas the market before Christmas, and all through the isles
All the people were bustling, and brimming with smiles;
The produce was placed on the table with care,
In hopes that you would see them there;
The children were bundled all snug in their coats,
While local musicians played holiday notes;
And mamma in her ’kerchief, eyeing a new top,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s shop,
When out on the street there arose such a clatter,
I sprang into action to see what was the matter.
Away to the sidewalk, I flew like a flash,
Tore past all the vendors, almost losing my sash.
The sun on the breast of the late-fallen leaves
Gave the luster of autumn to the remaining eaves,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny mule deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and swell,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Bidwell.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Hand-made! now, Honey! now, Chico and Produce!
On, Coffee! on, Crafty! on, Tomato, and Orange Juice!
To the top of the tents! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the top of Gardenwalk the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Bidwell too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Out the front door St. Bidwell came with a bound.
He was dressed all in hemp, from his head to his toes,
And his clothes were all embroidered with flowers and smelled like a rose;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And passed out local goodies, then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up to the roof again he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night.”

The Chico Certified Farmers Market will be open on Christmas Eve! It’s a great opportunity to pick up last-minute gifts, and to stock up on local meat, bread, eggs, and produce for those cozy homemade holiday meals. Scroll on for a sampling of our current vendor offerings, and look forward to all these things and more at tomorrow’s market! See you there!

 

Soaps and Shaving Kits from Feather Falls Soap Company

 

Jewelry from Grayc Glass

 

Something Colorful to Wear from Dye Creek Clothing

 

Something Tie Dye to Wear

 

Beautiful Bowls and Plates from S.K. White Ceramics

 

Glowing Snowflake Candle from Pure Honey Co.
*The wick burns through the wax straight down, leaving the outside standing so that when the flame gets low enough, the snowflakes glow*

 

Something for the Table: Eggs from Taste of Freedom; Lamb, Pork, and Chicken from Wookey Farms; and Floral Centerpieces from Pyramid Farms.

 

And More!
There are so many wonderful vendors and products to check out and buy. Come spend your holidays with us!