‘Tis the weeks before Christmas and all through the land
People are shopping for gifts that aren’t bland.
Stockings are hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes IWA would soon share its wares.
While bottles are nestled all snug in new totes,
Visions of gift-wrapping dance with gift-notes.
And Mama with her Winekeeper faucet of brass,
Had just settled in for a long winter’s glass –
When down in the cellar there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the pub table to see what was the matter.
Away to the Transtherm I flew—no, I soared,
Tore open the doors, and pulled out a drawer.
And like the moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Reflected the luster of bottles below;
Then what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a Cork Cage Sleigh, and eight Placecard Reindeer,
With a Collectible-size driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick!
More rapid than aerators, his coursers they came,
As he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now Glasses, Decanters! Now Openers and Stoppers,
“On Wine Charms! On Coasters! On Tags and Cork Poppers;
“To the top of the list! Forget trips to the mall!
“Now click away! Click away! Click away, all!”
(And as dry mouths before Christmas parties do smack,
Until met with libation once foils are cracked…)
It was up to the main house, our family they flew,
With a carrier full of treats – and edibles, too!
Tinkling of cocktail pics was to be heard ‘neath our roof,
among various glassware holding various “proofs.”
We swirled our liquids and wines round and round,
Til up from the cellar came ‘Nick’ with a bound:
Dressed in pajamas, from his head to his foot,
Not one piece of clothing sported ashes or soot;
He wheeled a VinGardeValise close behind,
And look’d at us cheerily “Oh Great! Just in time!…
I heard all the twinkling and laughter so merry,
Might I share in a cocktail with one of those fancy Cherries?”
Then he drew up his mouth like an IWA gift bow
Atop of his beard white as the snow;
A piece of Wine Chocolate he bit down with his teeth,
While standing below our Wine Country Wreath.
“Down you go into my little round belly…”
And next popped in his mouth a flavored Wine Jelly.
Then he refilled our glasses, the right jolly old elf,
So I had another in spite of myself;
(A shake of the Shaker and a twist of fresh lime
A new Mule Mug in frankly, no time…)
Then he spoke not a word and went straight to his work,
To fill all our stockings; then turned with a jerk,
“I know some look skinny, but they’re e-gift cards, you see
Visit IWA and your gifts are on me!”
Then he sprung to his sleigh and to his team gave a sign,
And away they all vanished, like a downed glass of wine:
We heard him exclaim as he drove further away-
“Happy Holidays to all, from me & I-W-Aaaa!”
Tips for Holiday Shopping with IWA
eGift Certificates
Our no expiration gift certificates are available in seven denominations ranging from $10 – $2000. (Apply to any number of purchases until the full balance used.)
Cork Cages
IWA offers a wide variety of decorative cork cages celebrating themes from around the world that are perfect for your holiday party centerpieces.
Full-size cages are available in 37 styles within 11 over-arching themes: Wine, Home, Holiday, Farm, International, Nautical, Fashion, Country-Western, Animals, Technology and Transportation.
Ornaments are available in 20 styles—perfect to match to loved ones’ interests: Wine Barrel, Wine Bottle, Champagne Bottle, Wine Glass, Eiffel Tower, Handbag, Ladies’ Boot, Hot Air Balloon, Teapot, Watering Can, Bird’s Nest, Guitar, Cowboy Boot, Pineapple, Dog, Sleigh, Snowman, Reindeer, and 3-Ornament Assortment.
Stoppers available in 6 styles for stylish, wine-loving & entertaining-types:
Barrel, Watering Can, Cowboy Boot, Pineapple, Dog, Pouf Design
Gift Wrapping
Available for most “In Stock” inventory.
- Only $7.95 per item, it includes a beautifully wrapped gift finished with a ribbon and a hand-written card with your message.
- Please include a “FROM: name” with your message, unless it is Secret Santa!
- To add: select “Gift Wrap” on item’s page, add your message, then click “Add to Cart.”
More Holiday Articles
- Winery Caves and Cork Cages
- Holiday Entertaining, Vineyard Farm Style
- Hosting Tips for an International Holiday Party
- Coastal and Seaside Holiday Entertaining
- Deck the Halls with Holiday Gifts & Decor
Thanks for a stellar 2018 and we’ll see you next year!
About the Author: Seattle-based writer, Lori Stevens, is the author of Wine: A No Snob Guide. Drink Outside the Box. Berkeley, California, Rockridge Press, 2015.
The poem is © 2018 Lori Stevens – All Rights Reserved, adapted from Clement Clarke Moore.