A poetic reminder about the importance of planning before you drive this season!

A Winter's Tale

Twas a night before Christmas, and all through the land

Not a creature was stirring – their journey was planned

They’d made time for winter, their car was prepared

For the family journey: no need to be scared

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Christmas Day danced in their heads,

We would be visiting Grandpa and Ma

Presents all wrapped, in the boot of the car

Time for a rest, we’re leaving early next morn

I sat down by the fire – and stifled a yawn

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my doze to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

The blizzard was awful, his reindeer can’t fly

(a severe weather warning had closed down the sky!)

He must use the motorway, he’d heard they get busy

Poor Santa Claus was all of a tizzy.

So I sat the old fellow down in a fireside chair

And explained to him what I’d done to prepare.

As well as the presents, the car had inside

A shovel and ice scraper, for a less worrisome ride.

An emergency kit and stuff to keep ourselves warm,

Just in case we get stuck (though it’s out of the norm)

We’d topped up the anti-freeze, got de-icer as well

The battery was healthy for a cold winter spell

We’d checked over the tyres, the wipers and lights …

For a clear view ahead through dark, snowy nights

Santa said he’d prepared – no need to panic

Rudolph was rather a good sleigh mechanic!

He’d got plenty of warm clothing and a cosy white beard

But really the state of the traffic he feared!

Travelling hither and thither, in the dark and the snow

With so many people, would the going be slow?

So I switched on the website to show him the view

From motorway cameras – and traffic flow too

His eyes — how they twinkled! He could now see his way

To visit all children before Christmas Day

His journey was planned. His sleigh full of toys

Plenty of time to visit all girls and boys

He whistled to Rudolph and flew off in the night

and I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight

A Happy Christmas to all, where e’er you should roam

Make time for winter – and a safe journey home

For more handy tips when driving this winter, visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter

MAKE TIME FOR WINTER