Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

I wanted to take a nap Sunday afternoon -- after all it's reportedly a day of rest -- so I went downstairs to watch the Vikings.  Vikings football is about the only sport that interests me a bit, and still it always manages to give me heavy eyes and put me to sleep for a few winks. 
I came to watch Sunday football years ago when it became associated with family time in front of the television, curled up with quilts and munchies all around.  If you put in enough Sundays with football and family, you learn a lot about each of them.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Savior's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes/Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep/'Tis the eve of our Savior's birth.

You learn that Fran Tarkenton is the name of the quarterback and Bud Grant is the name of the coach.  You learn that Fran can't win a Super Bowl and Bud can't crack a smile. 
You learn that your little girl wants a Baby Drink and Wet from Santa Claus and your little boy wants a bunny rabbit.  You learn that your husband can't get enough shirts and ties, and that mama already has everything she wants at her side in front of the television so falls asleep easily during football games.  You learn that two parents and two children easily fit on one couch under one quilt.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream/Of the joyous day to come.

Ten years later you learn that Tommy Kramer is the name of the new quarter-back and he can throw a football farther than anybody.  You learn that it is Bud Grant who can't win a Super Bowl for the Vikings in almost 20 years of coaching them.
You learn that your little kids want new bikes and clock radios for Christmas.  For good measure throw in a Daisy BB Gun and an Apple computer and Pac Man.  Your husband wants a new shirt and tie.  Mama still doesn't need or want anything, but if you gotta spend your money on something, buy me some new flannel pajamas.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
While we Thy vigil keep.
And angels come from heaven singing,
Songs of jubilation bringing,
Sleep, sleep, sleep/While we Thy vigil keep.

You learn that the Minnesota Vikings get a small coach named Jerry Burns who doesn't look right for the position and he swears a lot.  Sometimes you can hear it and sometimes you can read his lips.  You learn that quarterbacks now come with names like Wade Wilson and Rich Gannon.  They are not spoiled like Tommy Kramer.
You learn that your teenage kids are wearing adult size clothing and have adult size interests.  You learn to read between the lines that they'd enjoy their own ski equipment for Buck Hill.  Your husband can use a new shirt and tie.  Mama still has everything she needs or wants, in-cluding a Sunday afternoon nap

Still, still, still,
To sleep is now His will.
On Mary's breast He rests in slumber,
While we pray in endless number.
Still, still, still/To sleep is now His will.

You learn that Minnesota has a black coach named Dennis Green and a whole batch of quarterbacks with names like Jim McMahon, Warren Moon, Brad Johnson, and Randall Cunningham.  You learn that the Super Bowl is for everybody except the Vikings.
You learn that your children could use leather brief cases for the office and leather gloves for driving.  The newest colognes and perfumes are also possibilities.  How about an electric shaver and a good watch?  You learn that your husband would like a new shirt and tie, and Mama could use slippers that match my jammies.

Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,
mine liebes Kindlein, schalf!
Die Engel tun schon musizieren,
vor dem Kindlein jubilieren.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf/mein liebes Kindlein, schlaf.

You learn that the new coach, another large man, is Mike Tice and the new quarterback is Daunte Culpepper who is also big but can run fast and throw accurately.  You learn that you can never count on a ticket to the Super Bowl no matter what.
You learn that BB guns are being replaced under the Christmas tree by big deer rifles while the baby dolls are returning along with bunny rabbits and kittens because what goes around comes around in front of television on Sunday afternoons.  Your husband is still getting shirts and ties and Mama still falls fast asleep during Viking football games.
Merry Christmas, fans of family and football.
                                                                             ~Sue