For centuries, families gathered throughout the holiday season to hear recitals of the famous words of Dr. Clement C. Moore's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and celebrate the long awaited return of Santa. His jovial verse became synonymous with all that was cheery and bright. Then everything changed. This year, the gatherings are sharing their own Christmas story. Merry Apocalypse includes the telling of a new traditional tale that echoes the tone and rhythm of familiar poetry, but instead of joy and bliss, contains warnings of danger and death.