‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
The PC was shut down, including the mouse.
The consoles were gathering dust unaware
That soon a blockbuster game would be there.
The gamers were nestled all snug in their chairs
With hopes that a kickin’ new game would be theirs.
And while he or she dreamed of places afar
A significant other was racing, crammed into a car.
In the aisles at stores there arose such a fray
Shoppers were scrambling for the game of the day.
Though knowing which console helped narrow the aisle
A question arose, a question most vile.
“Which game? Which game? Which game?” they decried.
But then they remembered and panic soon died.
For armed with this poem printed from the Gazette
Their hopes for the perfect gift soon would be met.
Regardless of Xbox or PlayStation 3
Modern Warfare will fill any gamer with glee.
But should they’ve already this coveted title
There’s an onslaught of other great games just as vital.
Skyrim – a massive and bold RPG,
A game truly splendid to find under the tree.
A sprawling world teeming with sight, sounds, and action,
Epic in scope and customized interaction.
But maybe this gamer of yours is no fan
Of fantasy or shooting; well here’s a new plan:
The Assassin's Creed series has the new Revelations,
Brings history to life for today’s generations.
Then there’s Batman’s Arkham City so bold
With an entire city where evil takes hold,
And it’s up to you as the roguish Dark Knight
To purge the darkness and bring Gotham to light.
If the gamer on your list has 360 fever
A duo of exclusives is sure to deliver.
Gears of War 3 is the ultimate game
And Forza 4 racing has you drifting t’wards fame
Perhaps the PlayStation is your gamer’s delight.
A trio of trilogies’ll ensure you buy right.
Killzone, Resistance, ’n Uncharted alas
Ensure intense hours will blissfully pass.
And what of those who love the Nintendo Wii?
One choice is the rhythmic game Just Dance 3,
But best bet is Zelda with the new Skyward Sword
Copious hours ensure gamers aren’t bored.
Let’s go back now to that significant other –
It could be a wife, a husband, another –
Stuck in the store on this cold Christmas Eve,
At first in a fray, just wanting to leave.
We see them now smiling at the front of the line
With an armful of games, could be yours, could be mine.
Knowing this pandemonium soon will be quit.
Armed with this list, it took but a minute.
And as this person drives away in their warm car,
Seeing the crowd crowding, now cold and afar.
He or she exclaims as they drive out of sight
“Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.”
When he’s not teaching junior high school, St. Albert Catholic High School alumnus Derek Mitchell can be found attached to a video game console.