Merry Christmas

The sun sets at five o’clock

And the wind packs the snow

You huddle up with all your blankets

By the warmth of the TV glow

 

There’s still presents to buy

You feel like a Christmas elf

Groceries and baking and Christmas lights too

Don’t forget to take time for yourself

 

And don’t forget about Jesus

Or your aunts and uncles and mom

And teachers and neighbours and the mail carrier too

Where do all these people come from?

 

There’s so much food to devour

Ham, cookies, turkey, and wine

Eating your weight in chocolate

And then you don’t feel so fine

 

It’s the season that keeps on giving

You headaches and an upset tummy

Stuffing your face till you think you will burst

But boy don’t it all look so yummy

 

Driving through a snowstorm

With your car packed to the brim

Will my car start in the morning?

The odds look pretty slim

 

But to see the looks on kids’ faces

When they open their gifts

Spending time with the family

Really gives me a lift

 

Family not seen in ages

Or only ever seen once a year

Cup of tea and some shortbread

Give my old heart a cheer

 

So I guess it really is worth it

This entire month of stress

Through the cold and dark and hustle

And overarching stress

 

Once a year we gather 

And once a year we strain

And come back next through everything

Gladly do it all over again