Yuletide Memories

It didn't seem so long ago that Christmas brought a warmth A sense of belonging and a spiritual joy A time for the family, a time for neighbors to stop in Traditional events unchanging from year to year A sense of continuity, a warmth from within the heart The old black and white TV had its share of snow Alistair Sim played Scrooge and There was a Miracle on Thirty Fourth Street Bing sang White Christmas It wasn't a Holiday, it was an event, a Celebration The Birthday of Jesus, the Star in Bethlehem, the Angels There were Shepherds, Three Kings, a Nativity scene Silver Bells playing while shopping downtown Strangers smiled and said Merry Christmas A genuine feeling of good will. No other time of the year brought this kind of joy In spite of low income there was an abundance of food Cookies and egg nog were made at home Presents could be opened after church, not before Children laughing, giggling in anticipation Heat coming from the old Heatrola in the parlor Neighbors sharing the good times Kids playing on the floor in the living room The smell of pine and spruce in the homes A time of joy, a time of laughter A time of peace on Earth. Merry Christmas Everyone.