’Twas the night before Christmas 2021

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
But Santa was not feeling his usual zen,
There were issues in Texas (not just traffic on I10).

The kids were asleep, all the girls and the boys
But Santa was short of his usual toys
He queried the Head Elf, “what’s the latest excuse?”
“You see, boss” he replied “they are all mass-produced!”

“The elves have been isolating, hitting morale…
A boat has got stuck in the Suez Canal…
There’s shortages in China, issues with freight…
But we need to get gifts for the Lone Star State.”

Santa nodded “this year’s storms and COVID still affect us,
But I know one thing and that’s ‘don’t mess with Texas!’”
So let’s search the state for some local makers
Of toys, and treats, or artists and bakers.”

“But where will we find them?” asked the hapless Head Elf,
“It’s not like in Walmart where it’s all on one shelf”.
Santa’s eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!
“Don’t worry!” said Old Nick, “Think Local, Think Lemi!”

“Lemi lists businesses who love to give back,
We’ll browse local products to fill up my sack!”
Santa’s eyes, how they twinkled, he stroked his white beard,
“Let’s buy local this Christmas, and keep Austin weird!”