Notes About The Poem

Christmas in Paradise

One year,  over the ocean, Santa veered  off course
His reindeer were battling a hurricane  force. 
As the sleigh went  spinning and spiraling around,
 an  island appeared far below on the ground,
dotted with palms on  a white sandy beach.
Santa took heart that land was in reach.
Through starlight’s glow and the light of the moon 
Santa touched down — not a moment too soon. 

A lavish Luau  on Lahaula mats was laid,
a sumptuous feast over which a Kahuna prayed 
with fish on ti leaves, tropical fruits, and eggs-fu-yung
colorful flower leis were draped after being strung
Pearly shells glimmered on every waving palm
Ukuleles were strumming to songs sweet and calm
while dancers swayed ami with soft hula hands.
Santa had landed in a paradise found.

His beard was snow white, his boots shiny black
and he wore a red suit with a red  elfin hat.  
“I’m Father Christmas,” and - I’m surprised too 
that we celebrate  in much the same way as you  
with peace and goodwill, and with eating and singing.

‘Mele Kalikimaka,’ is our song of greeting 
As we celebrate Christmas— in island style.

 On they kept strumming, and singing and drumming.  
while Santa felt tempted to stay and join in. 
But time was short as Christmas morning grew near. 
He had sworn a duty to all he held dear. 

He saw a bright star rising up in the East  
The time had come - he must leave from this feast 
So he readied his reindeer to take to  the stars 
This was the latest —  he’d  ever been — by far 
 to bring toys to children all over the world 
curled up in bed in their little dreamworlds. 

“Come Dasher, Come  Dancer, Come Prancer and Vixen. 
Come Comet, Come Cupid, Come Donner and Blitzen.” 

We’ll find our way here some other midnight  
“Mele Kalikimaka  to ALL -  and to ALL a Good Night.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
January 19, 2024 at 12:27 AM
How wonderfully cute this is, Suzette
Delaney Avatar
January 27, 2024 at 4:20 PM
Thanks Andrea: When I write about Hawaii I always think of Connie. Luv, SuZ
Lamoureux Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 3:24 AM
Wonderful storytelling. Merry Christmas. ;0)
Delaney Avatar
January 27, 2024 at 4:22 PM
Thanks,Richard. January sneaked away on me. SuZ
Fowler Avatar
December 16, 2023 at 10:23 AM
Ahh, so restful with sands and music in the background of a wonderful feast. Celebratory write SuZ. Love it! :)
Delaney Avatar
December 16, 2023 at 11:36 AM
Thanks Linda: I have enjoyed your visit to my poems today. Much appreciate your kind words. Hugs, SuZ
Fisher Avatar
December 7, 2023 at 4:07 PM
This is such a beautiful Christmas story for us to enjoy. Thanks for bringing us back to Hawaii, too. I can picture some of it since we were able to enjoy Kaneohe and Honolulu last year.
Delaney Avatar
December 7, 2023 at 7:09 PM
So glad you could re live some of your memories of Hawaii through my poem. I was a resident for many so years I was considered a Kama’aina . SuZ
M  Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 8:38 AM
Oh Suz….such a captivating Christmas tale ….love different traditions and a Hawaiian Christmas sounds wonderful!! Do you ever miss Christmas in Oz? Is Hawaii a amazing place to live…l imagine it would be…..Debx
Delaney Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 12:08 PM
How lovely to see you Deb: Yes I do miss Christmas in OZ. Six White Boomers was my favorite Christmas Carol and having a beach picnic for Christmas was always fun. Hawaii was a wonderful time in our lives but we now live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every place we have lived I find it is the people that make it nice. Hugs, SuZ
Sharma  Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 5:09 AM
Oh wow, this is truly a Fav for me, especially your storytelling skills are so impeccable which kept me enchanted throughout.. A gorgeous Christmas saga with amazing descriptions.. Loved reading this so much! :) It's really profound and unique. So nice to meet you!
Delaney Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 5:44 AM
Hello Hiya: I am so happy you enjoyed my Christmas tale and took time to read and leave a lovely comment. Cheers, SuZ
Baker Avatar
December 4, 2023 at 9:51 PM
A wonderfully told Christmas tale through your delightful poetry, SuZ. A FAV for my list. Merry Christmas my friend, and a Happy New Year! Hugs, Bill
Delaney Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 4:25 AM
Nice to carch up with you, Bill. Glad you enjoyed Santa’s unexpected stopover in beautiful Hawaii. SuZ
Wolf Avatar
December 4, 2023 at 8:05 PM
And 'Mele Kalikimaka' to you, Suzanne, for an entertaining take-off on the old standard! :) gw
Delaney Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 4:24 AM
Thanks for your visit, Gershon. I had this one up my sleeve waiting for December to post it. I always enjoy a little twist on the Christmas them. Lol SuZ
Cunningham Avatar
December 4, 2023 at 7:57 PM
I love these takes on the original Twas the night before poems, absolutely brilliant Suzanne, a fave for me. Hope you're keeping well. Tom
Delaney Avatar
December 5, 2023 at 4:21 AM
I enjoy them too, Tom: I wrote a futuristic one a few years back. Once you get a theme they seem to unfold, in some ways unexpectedly. I am keeping well but busy and hope your health is good too. SuZ
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