Not the original version (go look around Snopes.com for it), but this can be easily modified to any Soldier, Sailor, or Airman version, so here you go:
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a Marine, once I could see clearly.
I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.
He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a United States Marine.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.
Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of Marines like this one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Marine awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps."
With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!
More or less easy, anyway.
And, for another one I found, this one seemingly all Marine:
'Twas the night before Christmas, the stars shining
Bright,
The sentry was walking, his left, then his right.
His rifle it swung from his shoulder with ease,
His head kept alert from a chill in the breeze.
The troops were all nestled and warm in their racks,
While he stood his duty, his feet making tracks.
For he, in his helmet, with his rifle at side,
Had just settled down in that 12 to 4 stride.
Then what to the shock of the sentry appeared,
Was a little green sleigh pulled by camouflaged deer,
With a little old driver in dress blues and sword.
The sentry just stood there not saying a word,
He watched in amazement with eyes all aglow,
As the reindeer, in silence, pulled the sleigh low.
With a wink from the driver, a tip from his cover,
The sleigh like a huey, just pulled up and hovered.
The sentry was startled, bewitched, and in doubt,
But duty prevailed and these words rang out:
"Now wait a minute - halt who goes there!?"
But the little man smiled, "You've nothing to fear,
For as sure as it's Christmas, and as sure as you're
Here,
I've stopped on my route just to bring you good
Cheer!"
"Now attention to orders!" He said with a flair,
Then read from a page that he held in the air:
"For attention to duty while walking your post,
On the day of the year that we cherish the most,
Here in this place on this solemn occasion,
I thank you, Marine, on behalf of the nation!"
He saluted the sentry, and cut sharp and clear,
Then he took up the reins as he called to his deer,
"On Belleau, on Iwo, on An-hoa and Chosin,
On you named-for-places both hell-hot and frozen!
And he called out once more as he sped out of sight,
Merry Christmas, Marines, carry on and good night!"
Semper Fi!!!!!
(author unknown)
Enjoy this, and think of those who can't be home this Christmas.
~Jason