It's the night before Christmas, a time to enjoy family, friends, and the memories we share. Here at Adagio, it is our pleasure to serve all of you, no matter what time of year, but as you get ready to gather with your loved ones this season, we wanted a chance to share something with you as well. We hope you enjoy this special time with your family and friends. Wishing you all the best of good company, good times, and of course, a good cup.

-Your friends at Adagio

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and ready was I,
For a once a year visitor flying to spy.
All my teaspoons were hung in the cabinet with care,
For I knew St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were sleeping, as well as my spouse,
not a creature was stirring but me in my house.
But determined to greet him, I'd stayed long awake,
And set out the scones, jams, and jellies, and cake.

I'd polished my kettle, and shined up my spoons,
In hopes that dear Santa would visit me soon.
Snuggled up by the twinkling lights of the tree,
I readied my teacups and waited with glee.

Then there, a long shadow, slick, sleek, and black,
the shape of eight reindeer, the sound of their tack!
They flew past my house to my neighbor's dear roof,
Santa, at last, now here was the proof!

He hopped from his sleigh on the shingles next door,
And I turned on the kettle, got ready to pour.
I'd laid out the sugar, the milk in its creamer.
Oh, what a day for this holiday dreamer!

Then there, up above, the sound of their bells,
flying reindeer's most obvious tells.
He let out a big belly laugh as they flew,
Called out their names as they passed by my view.

"Now, Oolong! now, Pu-Erh! now, Earl Grey and Matcha!
On, Ceylon! on, Souchong! on, Assam and Sencha!
To the top of the houses, then down through the flue,
Soft as a feather, and light as the dew!

Up on the snow, their sled landed with ease,
Then down through the chimney, quick as you please.
There he was with his bag, his suit all of red,
His boots polished black, and his hat on his head.

When he saw me, he startled, and jumped near a foot,
Upsetting the chimney, and sending up soot.
"Dear child, in your own bed you should be,"
He said as he shook one gloved finger at me.

"But Santa," said I, as he lowered his pack,
"I've turned on the kettle, I've got green or black."
My eyes must have twinkled, oh how they glistened,
For Santa, kind sir, he actually listened!

"I'm quite busy," he said, "and I've got much to do."
"Here, Santa," I offered. "One lump or two?
You've come a long way, with yet more to go,
But tea brightens the journey, now isn't that so?"

Then a mischievous glimmer did enter his eye,
And he said, "With such kindness, I should at least try!"
Then he came to my table and sat with a smile.
"I suppose I could take a rest for a while."

So I poured him a cup, and he spooned in his honey,
And I thought to myself, now this really is funny.
Here at my table, the great man himself,
He really is a right jolly old elf.

He sipped at my table, and we shared a good cup,
Then off to his business, he hopped right on up.
To the stockings, he shuffled, then under the tree,
Leaving gifts for all of my family and me.

Then back to the chimney, saying as he went,
"Thanks for the tea, you're really a gent!
It's small kindnesses that make Christmas so bright.
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Happy Holidays from your Adagio Team!