CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Christmas is coming once again
in the air a sense of cheer,
my thoughts drift back to younger days
to the joys of yesteryear.

To a home filled not with luxuries
but with love and life and caring,
a mom and dad who gave their all
with their children ever sharing.

As the holidays came closer
the wood stove glowed near red,
the odour of mom’s baking
of cookies, pies and bread...

Filled every nook and cranny
they were a wondrous sight,
there was love in every morsel
how we longed to take a bite.

We’d spend our days tobogganing
and skating on the frozen pond,
of making angels in the snow
we were all so very fond.

We’d arrive for supper cheeks aglow
from playing in the yard,
our coats and mittens frozen
with ice balls beaded hard.

Daddy laboured long and hard
in a job with little pay,
so quiet, not complaining
of what trial did come his way.

We gazed in wonder at the tree
revelling in its scent,
and dreamed of toys and goodies
our hearts all full, content.

We didn’t see the hours
mom spent sewing late at night,
to make our lovely presents
to our eyes, ‘twas out of sight.

Our gifts were what we needed
each child received the same,
stockings filled with nuts and treats
and delicious candy canes.

Christmas morn we went to Mass
there was magic in the air,
Jesus had come to nestle
in the manger lying there.

In the pews the people sat
love and joy upon their faces,
the miracle happened once again
peace in our hearts He places.

Aunts and uncles, cousins
came to share our Christmas meal,
three sittings not unusual
joyful noise made our heads reel.

Then as the joyous day wound down
reflecting the happiness we’d had,
we thanked God for the best gift
of a loving mom and dad.

Margaret Rose Larrivee
Nov. 27, 1997