’Twas Christmas Eve and Santa Claus was readying for his trip around the world by reindeer sleigh — not elegant cruise ship.

On Christmas Eve the sky was clear for Santa and for his reindeer.

On Christmas Eve when snow was thick, To Martha’s Vineyard came St. Nick, And all his reindeer wearing masks.

On Christmas Eve, as always, St. Nick was in the sky, And looking down on land and sea with his most practiced eye, To search for landing venues for his reindeer and their sleigh.

’Twas Christmas Eve in Tisbury, And trees were all alight, St. Nick was coming surely, The stars were gleaming bright.

The Chappy ferries come and go, In summer rush and winter snow, ’Twixt Chappy isle and Edgartown, Dukes County’s seat of great renown.

Twas Christmastime so Santa Claus was readying his pack, And filling it with candy canes and holly and knickknacks.

Santa made his list, checked it twice and then prepared to fly to the Vineyard. This year the trusty Gay Head Light helps him find his way.

'Twas Christmas Eve and Santa Claus was readying for his trip to see his Vineyard friends, of course, but traveling not by ship, nor ferry boat nor freight boat nor on the Island Queen. He comes by air each Christmastide thanks to his reindeer team.

In the annual Gazette Christmas poem Santa finds something in his sack for almost everyone.