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🎄🎁 BOARD GAME NIGHT XXIV – TWO NIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS 🎁🎄

’Twas two nights before Christmas, and all through the Loft,
Not a meeple was stirring, the lights humming soft.
The game boxes rested in stacks not quite straight,
Each one holding memories… triumph and fate.

The camels were nestled, exhausted but fed,
With lawsuits unresolved and spa towels on beds.
The Sushi Bandits lay low, their wasabi concealed,
And the Jeffening lingered — still not fully healed.

The dice sat in silence (a rare, sacred thing),
Still warm from the chaos of last Tuesday’s fling.
Where dragons had listened, and engines had screamed,
And Sylvan Lake residents… well… medium-steamed.

I sat with my coffee, reflecting in awe,
On twenty-three nights of cardboard folklore and law.
From Camel Up madness to Tempura Town fights,
From Tokyo monsters to courtrooms of rights.

We’d raced through Europe, got lost, then lost once again,
Built wonders by accident, powered by ego and sin.
We’d starved in the Stone Age, adored every dubious hut,
And learned rules mean nothing when Jason goes, “Yeah… close enough.”

We’d watched Queen Mel return and restore what was broke,
Only for chaos to rise from the next careless joke.
We’d bargained for spices, for gems, for control,
And summoned golems by pepper and pride-addled soul.

We’d drifted through corners with engines on edge,
Watched Heat crown a winner by a breath and a ledge.
And deep in the catacombs, torchlight grew thin,
As Clank echoed loudly and then Jeff wasn’t in.

Yet here we all were or at least those who could,
Bound not by schedules, but showing up when it’s good.
Because sometimes the holidays don’t come with cheer,
Sometimes they whisper, “Hey, don’t be alone were here.”

So two nights before Christmas, no pressure, no plan,
No speeches, no spectacle, no need to be grand.
Just a table, some games, familiar faces and jokes,
And cookies apparently now part of the oath.

No one must come. No guilt, no demand.
But if you’re around, there’s a seat… and a hand.
We’ll shuffle, we’ll laugh, we’ll misplay, we’ll defend,
We’ll argue rules briefly… then call you a friend.

For the Kingdom of Cardboard has taught us one truth,
From rookies to veterans, from chaos to proof:
It’s not about winning, or points, or control.
It’s showing up tired… and leaving more whole.

So whether you’re free, or escaping the noise,
Or just want a night with some dice and some joys.
Two nights before Christmas, the table stands ready,
The kettle is warm, and the laughter is steady.

And whatever you celebrate quiet or bright.
May your draws be forgiving, your engines run right.
Happy holidays, Rebels and Loyalists too…
There’s a game night on Tuesday.

And the seat might be you. 🎲🎄

— Your Thankful Organizer, Proud of the Table We are All Building Together!