Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

It is the night children worry themselves to sleep, When the excitement is running at fever pitch Tots fear they might miss out on the best part, Thinking Santa Claus might pass over their house As he makes his way around the whole world, Bringing toys to all “the good little boys and girls,” Thinking they might not have been good enough They tried hard, especially since the elf appeared, They had talked with Santa, didn’t pull his beard, Told him what they wanted more than anything And now … now it was a waiting patiently game, When little children know so little about patience. written December 17, 2021

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/23/2021 1:26:00 AM

These days no one has to be good. No worries there. The worst behaviors get rewarded. I doubt anyone remembers the part about the coal.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/23/2021 8:16:00 AM

I think that is true, Caren. Oh, the coal was a big worry when I was a little kid. Nowadays most people don't burn coal or have a coal house, so I guess there is probably another ploy for goodness parents use. Elf on the Shelf, maybe.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 12/18/2021 9:28:00 AM

Lovely. Children are impatient. I am in my second childhood, so I'm impatient. Yuletide greetings.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/18/2021 10:42:00 AM

I can understand that! Sometimes I am, too, but not especially at Christmastime. It's just another day of the year for me.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 12/18/2021 5:43:00 AM

You have described them so perfectly, Milton, lovely poem:)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/18/2021 9:05:00 AM

I think so, Jo. I searched back through the years and described how I felt myself when I was a kid on Christmas Eve. Thanks for your thoughts.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 12/18/2021 4:32:00 AM

its really hard to be patient when your young and eager to get that special toy, as we get older we learn to be more patient as we wait for that moment on the heart , that sigh on the lips, that says, I got and now I am contented, Santa brought me a baby doll when I was young, what did he bring you ? Love xo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/18/2021 9:07:00 AM

Oh, I don't remember specifically. It would have been World War II era toys...I loved toy cars and trucks...perhaps a metal service station...that sort of thing. We didn't have a lot, so Christmas was sometimes sparse. It was a time of joy, however. Our Christmas plays at church played a large part in the celebrations.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/18/2021 3:34:00 AM

Like Mike your verse took me back, happy memories Milton. I can still remember the excitement and couldnt get up the stairs quick enough when I was told he won't call if you don't go to bed. Enjoy your weekend. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/18/2021 9:07:00 AM

Yes, we were always told that, which only increased my anxiety. Thanks for sharing, Tom.

Mike Gentile

Date: 12/17/2021 11:14:00 PM

You have certainly captured my memories of Christmas Eve Milton! I can still feel the butterflies! Happy Saturday!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/18/2021 9:08:00 AM

Thanks so much, Mike. Yes, it was/is a time of great anxiety and some worry on the part of little kids. The Santa story certainly creates some tensions.