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With my annual apology to Clement Clarke Moore, here is my 2025 CFL-themed rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all.
***
‘Twas the night before Christmas and as I dined my sup,
I began to think back to this year’s Grey Cup.
Skill and execution the Roughriders amounted,
The best team all year, they won when it most counted.
Despite some struggles with the position of kicker,
Which surely caused stress on Saskatchewan’s ticker,
The end result managed to put a smile on the face,
Of all-around good guy and head coach Corey Mace.
Elsewhere in the country there arose such a clatter,
As the Commish changed some rules that really do matter.
Gone are the days of returning a missed field goal,
As Stewart and friends have relocated the pole.
The rouge modified, the field will change too,
All with good intentions, according to Stew.
They say it will bring about touchdowns and scoring,
But “leave it alone!” hardcore fans were imploring.
Other fans thought they’d try it and see,
(Not including Argonauts legend Pete Dyakowski).
If this brings more success, it’ll be glorious feat,
Which I would bear witness from my old end zone seat.
And now for a spin ‘cross the rest of the league,
To avoid losing Dear Reader with rule-talk fatigue.
We’ve spent enough time on plaudits, it seems,
So a pitstop in every market, a verse for your team.
Nathan Rourke led the Lions within a whisker of great,
Before falling in playoffs and doomed to the fate,
Of watching another year go slipping past,
As the best QB not in the game that’s played last.
It was a different vibe in the land of the horse,
As the Stampeders seemed to get back on course.
A doubled win total, and a return of the smiles,
Brought on by V.A. throwing the football for miles.
Just north on the highway, a turbulent season,
As the Elks found themselves searching for reason.
From Ford to Fajardo, the decision weighed heavy,
But once it was made, wins came by the bevy.
The Bombers got old, seemingly in a hurry,
No longer could Zach take the ball and then scurry.
They’ve decided to keep the band mostly together,
2026 may be a storm they simply can’t weather.
Steeltown’s Grey Cup drought seems impossible to believe,
Especially with this year and what they achieved.
A special connection between Mitchell and Lawler,
Only to fall short at the feet of a brawler.
The Argos gave all the stat nerds quite a chuckle,
Especially the QB with veteran Nick Arbuckle.
St. Nick only got to start 15 games,
If he’d started more, top passer he might claim.
In Ottawa, the land of endless CFL woe,
I credit the fans who continue to go.
The lack of results must have fans fit to be tied,
As nothing works, no matter how hard the team tries.
Finally, our tour stops in La Belle Province,
Where Davis Alexander just needed a chance.
Records for winning aside he did toss,
Sadly, though, the Grey Cup was his first loss.
And with that, I can safely wrap this all up,
And offer to fill your favourite cup,
With the knowledge and wisdom of 3DownNation,
The best place to get all CFL information.
We strive for our best, we tell you our thoughts,
We make our predictions, we shoot our best shots.
You’ve made our futures incredibly bright,
and so Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!