Ready for Christmas?

Thoughts written in December, 1986

'Tis five days before Christmas and all through the house,
There is hustle and bustle, I hope there's no mouse!
Just Digit, the dog and sweet Carmel, the cat,
Todd, Jenn and their mom, at home where it's at.

This is the beginning, traditions of the season,
Learning just what is Christmas, a celebration with reason.
I've listened to many these past weeks and days.
I've heard some frustration, I've seen many ways...

People try to buy Christmas, They search and they moan,
They don't find the joy, now that they're all grown.
For some, it's the gifts, and for others, grand parties,
For others, special music and events that are "art-y".

Still everyone searches and asks, "Are you ready?"
"Ready for Christmas? Hang in there, now steady!"
I've learned many lessons this year as I've watched,
You can learn about people if you listen, not just talk.

I'm afraid they miss much of the joy in these days,
And miss chances to serve and help others in small ways.
For the many who are doing, they rush and the fret,
They are just very sure all their goals are not met.

I treasure the moments of magic, which have come
Into my life this Christmas; I want to savor each  one.
I have felt like the shepherds who visited the Child,
I, too, had no gifts, just love, a heart tender, mild.

There were many this year on my '86 gift list,
And I felt some great stress when I thought they'd be missed.
This Santa's cash flow was having a crisis,
But, with help, new thoughts came to make this year the nicest.

My gifts have been small but my thoughts are of great size,
For so many people who've been kind and so wise.
I've learned through the thinking, more about the true meaning
Of the season called Christmas, of night's stars brightly gleaming.

One lit up the sky in the story retold,
The true spirit of Christmas lights hearts, young and old.
I want to remember these feelings I've found,
And share them with others now and year 'round.

I want to remember the hugs and the smiles,
Of those we sang carols for*...my mind lingers awhile...
On the faces of friends and the kindnesses shown,
And my own image reflected tells me how much I've grown.

With the help of these friends, some new and some old,
And now comes another Christmas for each one to mold.
The choice is for each to make as he chooses,
If one makes little effort, it is that one who loses.

*Only 25 Shopping Days
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