Christmas Eve is Magical! The best night of the year –
Happy anticipation, Christmas Day will soon be here!
This Christmas will be different, quiet, rather small
But if we make an effort, a good time for one and all
Fragrant pine trees glisten, draped with twinkling lights
Hustle, bustle, busy – much to do this Christmas night!
Icing swirled on fruit cake, churches ring out bells,
Santa is a-coming, house is festive, clean – looks well
Mirrors festooned with garlands, children’s stockings hung
Delicious treats prepared, favourite songs are heard and sung
Sparkling lights in windows, candles flickering on shelves
Laughter as we wonder, “Now … where did Dad hide that Elf?”
Expectation and excitement, time for fun and to be merry
Pour a special glass for Santa, maybe whisky, rum or sherry?
Mince pies from the oven with a glass of spiced mulled wine
Christmas films on rewind, stay-at-home, cosy time
Cards with warmest wishes, ranged prettily on shelves
Remind us we are cared for, loved for being just ourselves
We’ll be pleased this year is over, so glad it’s out the way
But let’s not forsake this Christmas, it’s a Celebration day!
We’ll eat well, enjoy a drink, time will pause a little while
We’ll think of all our loved ones, some with tears, some with a smile
For each time has an ending and New Year brings us hope
We’ll go forward with resilience, knowing we have the strength to cope.
By Tina Cathleen MacNaughton
