‘Twas the night before Christmas Chef Dave DeWitt was a mess Red chile sauce clung to his chin and his chest Mama, dressed in a green chile gown, Was all snuggled in bed While visions of hot peppers heated her head Chile stockings had been hung by the chimney with care Knowing that Chile Claus would soon be there The Old Man preferred spicy pork tamales It’s the only thing left, he said, that gave him his jollies But the pork never thawed, it was still in the freezer The cornhusks were missing along with dog Geezer The Chef fretted wringing his hands raw This Christmas he worried he’d get nothing at all. And the pantry was empty of cayenne and pasilla, The pods needed for Christmas Day in Mesilla. But just when DeWitt was ready to concede There was a clatter on the roof and the sound of speed Away to the window he flew like a flash Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash When what to his wondering eyes should appear But a miniature sleigh led by eight Chile Deer Each carried tamales and peppers galore Which they gave to the Chef - New Mexico’s Chile Conquistador. “We Chileheads stick together!” Chile Clause said with glee As DeWitt wiped a tear showing indeed he’d agree “Now Serrano! Now Aji! Now, Habanero and Serrano! On Pimento, On Tepin, On Thai and Poblano! There’s more chile to give and cheer to impart Feliz Navidad all! It’s time to depart! ----------Sunny Conley (http://www.chileknights.com) Dave DeWitt is an author and the publisher of Fiery Foods Magazine. He also produces the Fiery Foods Shows.