'Twas the Day Before Christmas at Nonna's House
'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house
Every creature was stirring including Peppino the mouse.
The salsice were taken from the cantina with care
In hopes that tomorrow la compania would be there.

The children were all over the house just runnin'
While piles of nonna's cookies were coming out of the oven
Mamma was helping with la salsa per sta sera.
Oops, manaia, the spoon se cascata per terra.

Through the side door there arose such a clatter,
It was daddy cursing the snow blower wondering what was the matter.
We went to the window quick as a flash.
Nonno told daddy he should try putting in some gas!

Put on your boots it's not yet festa.
Since it's Sunday, we gotta get to church, it's time for la messa.
The sun was shiny and the snow made it blinding.
Into the van and through the streets we were winding.

The priest kept reminding us we should go more oft
My mom got up with the baby because it started barfing.
I got my communion and we put the money in the tray.
The priest finally said "La messa e finita, andata in pace".

When we got home we could smell the cooking.
But the kids were more interested in the presents that they kept poking.
It was 2:00 and time to start eating.
Tutti a tavola, the feast is just beginning.

Now Luigi, Tonino, Rosina and Carmela.
Presto Franco, Peter, Maria and Isabella!
Let's get a seat, the soup is coming.
Where's the formaggio? The wine is finally running.

The lasagna is perfect and so are the olives I find.
Don't forget the insalata, there's more than one kind.
Because it's Christmas Eve there is only fish.
It's baked baccalla and shrimp all over my dish.

It's 4:00 and starting to get dark.
"A pizza e bona" I could hear Zio Nunzio remark.
"Any more sardines?" asks cousin Pauli.
Not for me, I want more fagioli.

Dinner is over and the table is cleared.
Not completely because there's still fruit to appear.
The cards are coming out as nonna says "Aspett'!"
What's it gonna be, Scoppa, Briscola or Tre Sett'?

A grape somehow got on the floor.
The baby saw it as she crawled from the door.
Mamma said "No! Don't eat it, it's caca".
What did we do? We gave it to a' gatta.

It was nearly ten and the kids were still playing.
No one's going home 'cause we're all staying.
Luigi found the crayons and the paper in my room.
Rosanna dropped the candies. Time to get the broom.

There's no shortage of anything for all the folk.
Zia went downstairs to get more Coke.
Something was missing and we knew we weren't done yet
As Nonno said "Nonna, where's le castagne?"

It's time for caffe and don't forget the brandy.
Anice and sambucca come in handy.
Cookies and pizzelle are on the table.
The panettone is there for all who are able.

It's past mezzanotte and we're waiting for Santa
But I feel sleepy and so does cousin Anna.
I'm going to bed and I give kisses to many
As I say "Buona notte a tutti, save some for domani."