The ghost of my past Christmas

It was before Christmas in 1965.

I was in the nursery play.

All eyes were on me,

But I forgot what to say.

My hands were sweating,

And my knees were shaking.

My line couldn't come out,

While everyone was waiting.

I couldn't remember if I cried,

I only knew they couldn't stop laughing.

Forty or so winters later,

I'm now older, though no wiser.

I often come up with the right lines now,

I have learned what, where, when and how.

The line that escaped me,

Actually returned every December.

So, before you think I'm going on forever,

My friend, let' do it all together.

Whatever you've planned, wherever you are,

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"