Mark J. Halliday Poet I do not know?

Don'T Stress Christmas

The northern skies are turning gray -- 
Seems the sun just doesn’t linger.
Christmas is just a month away, 
And the nights are getting longer.
That Thanksgiving spent with family—
A briefly pleasant holiday—
Was forgotten all too quickly 
By pushy crowds on Black Friday.

Our gift checklist seems like old Saint Nick’s, 
But our staff is lacking Elves.
Shopping trips cause daily panics. 
I wonder how we’ll feed ourselves.
We must buy more decorations, 
So the yard looks like it’s snowing.
We fall deeper in depressions 
As our credit keeps on growing. 

Lord forgive commercialism 
For ruining every Christmas.
Lord forgive consumerism 
For dumping on us all that stress.
December is a dreary time, 
Even when little angels sing.
The irony of Christmas time 
Was that Christ was born in the Spring. 

While standing in the checkout line, 
Remember what the carols told.
Think of how Bethlehem’s star once shined, 
As Israel’s prophets foretold.
Think of the awe of the shepherds 
When they saw angels fill the air.
Coming to the stable, entered, 
To meet the Holy Family there. 

Instead of spending all you have, 
Next November and December,
Spend time with all of those you love, 
And teach them what to remember.
"A Savior born in Bethlehem" 
Should bring us joy and happiness;
And “ Peace on Earth, goodwill to men” 
Should set us free, not bring us stress.

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Old Buck May 27, 2015 at 2:12 PM Mark: Amen & Amen. As I was directed to you work today, I discovered you are much more of a "poet" than I. I read several of your poems. I'm a simple rhymer. This is more my style. :o) More for jesters and small children. :o) and the message could have come from my pen however less artfully written. Thank you for sharing your work. As was suggested, it should be re-posted each Nov. to remind us of the folly of our ways. A good reminder to Remember the Reason for the Season. oldbuck

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders December 9, 2014 at 10:25 PM Yes, you were right, Mark, I do love this! I am guilty of falling into the commercialism trap of Decmber myself. Mostly because I'm a people pleaser and never want anyone to be disappointed, but we go too far! I will never give up Thanksgiving or family time for shopping...this wonderful poem is going to my faves. I think you should repost it for others to read at this time of year...thanks for sharing! hugs, Rhonda