Christmas By the Hearth

Last year was the first time Since I’ve had my own home That I didn’t put up a big tree. But you were so small and so active and all And you hadn’t yet learned to mind me. For two years they’ve been waiting For their short chance to shine, While you have been growing so tall. Perhaps all my baubles won’t be such a lure, As attractive as when you were small. Near fifteenth of December We’ll bring the tree in And hang it with bright balls and such. You can help if you like, but must understand It’s something to see and not touch. On tip-top goes the angel Whom we first put so high, The year that our sweet Joycie died. We placed her with care, she was so pretty there. We kept on with the task as we cried. There are memories gathered Throughout the long years To be placed there, with sadness or laughter. They will come out of storage for a few days of glory And packed away very soon after. The stocking sweet Carolyn sent us last year. When she heard we could not have a tree, Will brighten our wintertime mantel again. We’ll fill it with goodies for you and for me And it’s then Christmas joy will begin. I’ll hold you in my lap as we sit by the fire As I make out my Christmas card list, Admiring the wreaths and the garlands we’ve hung We’ll drain every drop from our big Christmas mug And practice the songs to be sung. We’ll read Christmas stories, my big Tiger cat. I’ll tell you about the bright star. Your eyes will grow wide at the wonder of it As we dim all the lights, except those on the tree And doze off in their glow for a bit. By: Joyce Johnson 10/24/11 For Linda Marie's "Holiday Hearth" My holiday Christmas won a first