‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Ridge
Not a Fraser was stirring, not even a midge.
In hopes that no patients would find their way there.
The wee bairns were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of Cherry Bounce danced in their heads.
Had just settled themselves for a long winter’s frolic!
When at the Big House, there arose such a brattle
Jamie sprang from his bed, ready for battle.
While Jamie rushed out in the cold winter’s night!
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Set the Ridge and its dwellings all merrily aglow.
When what to Claire’s wondering eyes should she glance
She knew in a moment, it had to be Clarence.
More rapid than eagles, Jamie swirled to find Ian,
Then Marsali and Fergus, and said, “Are ye seein’?”:
“It’s Rupert! It’s Angus! It’s Murtagh Fitzgibbons!
To the steps of the porch, past the home of White Sow.
They slipped and they scurried, without taking a bow.
As turtle soup that before the hurricane simmers
When taken in plenty, makes hearts start to glimmer.
So into the doorway, they fell two by two,
Only to find in her way, that wicked Jack Randall.
As she drew back her hand, and was ready to smack
Who should appear in the hall but poor dear Roger Mac.
He was dressed in a nightshirt, from his neck to his knee
And his hair was all tousled from romping with Bree.
And he looked back at Claire as he saw her alarm.
Jack’s eyes – how they smouldered! His dimples, how icy!
His breath smelled like carrion! And his grin, it was dicey!
And with one shove from Claire, Black Jack landed in snow!
The stump of a tree caught him full in the teeth
And Jamie finished him off with the knife from his sheath!
That stopped in a flash, with a sighting of Bonnet.
He was silent and swift, as he charged towards Himself
And Claire gasped when she saw him, in spite of Herself.
Jamie gave Claire to know Bonnett soon would not linger.
He spoke not a word, then he noticed a sway
Bonnet’s fate had been sealed by his friend, Lord John Grey!
Their joy changed to fright when they caught sight of Laoghaire!
They sprang to the house, to find Auntie Jocasta
With Jenny & Geillis, all playing Canasta!
As friends gathered round from upstairs and down,
And when they all sat with their bannocks and jam,
Ulysses offered a toast as they drank a wee dram.
And heard on the Ridge, were their voices so bright,
The Night Before Christmas ~ A Fraser’s Ridge Story is an original poem by Beth Pittman, written with a tremendous amount of inspiration from Clement C. Moore’s poem and Diana Gabaldon‘s wonderful cast of characters from the Outlander series of books.
For the past couple of Christmases, Beth has been wanting to re-work this poem with an Outlander theme but just couldn’t find the time. With this year’s pandemic and most of her Christmas shopping, wrapping and baking finished early, she was finally able to find the time. Beth hopes you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as she enjoyed writing it!
With that said, Merry Christmas to you and yours from all of us at Outlander North Carolina!
Thank you so much for this trip down Outlander memory lane! So well done … it made me smile .
So much thought to include all those characters. I admire your talent and am very grateful you shared it with your fellow Outlander fans.
This is wonderful! Thank you! I hope you can share with DG & our favorite actors. Merry Merry Christmas to you & yours
Thank you for the very creative gift! It made me giggle several times.
I loved the poem even the return of all the nasty characters. Merry Christmas!🎄
Merry Christmas from New Bern, NC!
I really enjoyed reading this poem, it also gave me a few chuckles along the way.
Merry Christmas to everyone there from Southern BC (Canada), it looks like we may have a white Christmas, if the snow we had yesterday stays around long enough.
Loved it!!!! What a creative mind you have!!
This was new for me and what fun!!! This made my day!
Thanks and blessings,
Laura Barajas
Thank you for sharing this poem with us! Merry Christmas!
Love this! So festive & creative! Thank you for sharing with us! May your Yule be Merry & best wishes for Hogmanay!
Well done! So much fun! And a very Merry Christmas and New Year to you, too!
Wonderfully written and very special 😍
What a tremendously enjoyable rendition of The Night Before Christmas story!!! So well done helping us to remember of those wonderful Outlander characters!!! You put the smiles and giggles on our faces while reading it💕
So much fun! Thanks for the walk down Outlander Memory Lane!
So much fun to read a Christmas story about all the characters that I have followed with all the episodes. Enjoyed it .
That was great. Just getting to read it on Christmas night. You are so talented and it was so fun!
Thank you for sharing it with us. Merry Christmas!
Loved reading this thanks for brightening up my morning
That was delightful! Thank you taking the time to write and share! Great visuals too! Merry Christmas to all!
Great poem it made me laugh
Outstanding . Do clever and bright , is the writing of this poem.
You brightened my night with
your Fraser’s Ridge Night Before Christmas. Thank you.
It’s even more special coming from NC, my lifetime’s favorite place to visit.
Thanks very much for this lovely reminder of a world we miss so much while hibernating! Much joy to Beth as she brings joy to others. 🙂
Thank you Beth! That is amazing! Needed some chuckles and smiles today as battling covid. Merry Christmas!
What a fun read in my inbox this Christmas Eve morning! Well done, Beth! Thank you for spirit lift and many chuckles! Merry Christmas and best of the season to you!