By Mary N. DiZazzo

The Week Before Christmas in the Beauty Salon

Ciao bella,

I would like to wish all my readers and my comrades at the Post-Gazette Buon Natale. May God bless you all in the New Year.

Please enjoy this poem as it is a parody and can be read like “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” Christmas in its beauty is the season to make time for people. People you don’t even know. Make time.

‘Twas The Week Before Christmas when all through the salon The scissors were clicking; the mad rush was on. The hairdressers were busy primping the coifs; Perm odor, tinting, hair spray—what cough? The nail-techs stayed sitting; painting their art, And the patrons were in and out like a dart. The receptionist was praying for the end of the day, While just out the window she noticed a sleigh. And in walked a lady all covered in flour; She said she’d been baking for hours and hours. “I’ve seen to the children, but what of myself? “My husband’s been busy and couldn’t spare an elf. “My nails are all broken; my hair feels like glue; “I hope there is someone who can make me feel new.” With that gleam in her eye it was hard to say “no”— Mary volunteered for the job—ho, ho, ho! Shampoo, shampoo, how do you do? Rollers and gel—need the dryer too. With a trick of her brush she was coiffed in a flash; Manicured, painted, and dried in a dash. Her nails were all shiny—painted “jungle-red.” The smile on her face left nothing unsaid. As she waved us good-bye, Merry Christmas to all, Everyone stopped to see the great haul. While out the window we all began to peer At a giant sleigh and eight strong reindeer! Our lady hopped right in and with a nod to go Off went her chariot above all the snow. Jingle, jingle, jingle you can hear the bells ring. It was a sight to behold there were songs to sing.

P. S. Take a stroll down to 'A Matter of Face" right here in Boston's North End for some special beauty treats. Paula will help you customize your own personal beauty needs or a holiday gift of beauty at 425 Hanover St., 617-74BLUSH. www.amatterofface.com. Stay tuned for her "Beauty Brunches" starting in January.

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

Have you missed any of Mary's columns in the Post-Gazette? Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns on her website www.mary4nails.com. She is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.