Wesolych Swiat

Our family reunion is coming...My, Oh My, Times in my youth, of family gathering, and customs traditional. The theme this year is "Christmas in July", Like Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Past I can recall. I remember those days with quiet revelry, The cold winter nights of going to Grandpa's house. Those Polish customs, the foods, the "Opwatky", Seeing all my cousins there, the joys it would arouse. The piney aroma that permeated the air, There was the tree with its festive lights so bright. You could smell it even before you got there, The ornaments and tinsel, garlands that reflected each colored light. The stable on the floor has all the figures but one, There were gifts for all beneath the tree. He won't arrive until the Midnight Mass is done, I'd always be looking for the one for me. Then there was the laughter and the games galore, Oh, for the traditional "Opwatky" before dinner. How we made such noise in that great roomed parlor, Whoever cracked the biggest piece was the winner. Then to sit at a table piled high with food, Yes, these are the times I want to recall. Kielbasa, Pierogi, Kapusta, all tasted so good, Not just for me, but for the families all. But for the ones who never knew of our tradition, For there is a humbling pride in writing this story. It would certainly give them some admonition, The kind that can only come from loving memory. So, I will write down those things that I still retain, To our "Christmas in July" reunion as it stands. Well stored but dusty, in my memory engrained, I'll write so I will not go with empty hands. For our families have not shared a Christmas together, My story will be my gift to them you see. In so many years, this is just the time and the weather, I'll write it, wrap it, and put one for each under the tree. If their memories are even sparked just a bit, My "Christmas in July" will have been well worth it. Wesolych Swiat! (Merry Christmas in Polish) Written for "Christmas in July" Contest...please note that it is a better read as Couplets - acbd