Christmas Day

Dawn creeping over the land fresh sprinkling of snow makes the garden gleam Grandma already busy she is preparing dinner a fine fat goose awaits Stuffed with chestnuts it goes in to slowly roast heavenly smells emerge Stirrings from up above The children run down excitement shining on faces As they spy the presents picking the up for a shake called to come for breakfast Impatiently they eat their food then outside to build a snowman they dress it in Dad's old clothes They sit fidgeting through service yawning as the sermon drags on rushing home as fast as feet can carry At last time to open presents a shiny new red bike for Sue a monster truck for Gary Mum gets jewellery and perfume a set of tools for Dad Grandma gets her special chair The goose and all the trimmings ready Dad carves and serves them all deep silent just clatter of cutlery As the food is demolished everyone is now so stuffed they flop where there is room Get your coats and scarves on groaning they go out carol singing soon having great fun Returning to hot cocoa and toasted marshmallows in front of a roaring fire As the sun slowly sets the children are sent to bed moans that it is too early Fall on suddenly deaf ears now it is adult time out come the cards and gin Much later reeling they stagger to bed a few too many drinks were downed in toasts as they shared memories of past Christmas's