Notes About The Poem

      December 16, 2025, entered in Constance LaFrance's Snow Fantasy or Christmas Nostalgia Contest

                                                  My topic: Christmas Nostalgia

                       **********************************************************************************

When Christmas Is Just Around the Corner


When Christmas nears, I reminisce
about the ones that won’t be there
for gift exchange and scrumptious meals.
I visualize each empty chair.

Then one by one, my picture books 
come off the shelves. I dwell upon
the photos of my nephew, brother,
Mom, and Dad. Dear God, they’re gone!

Nostalgia can be friend or foe.
At times like these, he is a friend
who lingers only long enough
to help me wipe my tears and mend.

It’s time to load the gifts and food
to share with all my family.
No signs of grief will mar my smile.
Just joyful love is all they’ll see.

To honor loved ones we have lost,
we’ll share the special memories
that make us smile instead of cry.
Our praises won’t be eulogies!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
December 19, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Hello Janice, Merry Christmas. It is good to remember the Christmas of the past. then enjoy the ones we celebrate now. Hugs. /Darlene/
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 21, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Hello janice, Merry Christmas. your welcome. Hugs. my friend. /Darlene/
Canerdy Avatar
December 19, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Thanks so much, Darlene! Janice
Goldsmith Avatar
December 18, 2025 at 11:44 AM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful write. Love your line, "Nostalgia can be friend or foe." So Very True... "Good Luck" I did "Snow Fantasy." Have a Very Blessed Christmas and New Year 2026...........
Canerdy Avatar
December 19, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Thanks so much, Paula. Janice
Bauer Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 1:26 PM
you have described this quite beautifully, janice! holidays force us to remember previous ones and that can be painful and sad when we realize who is no longer with us. i love the way you've ended this on such an upbeat note...
Canerdy Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Ilene, I really appreciate this heartfelt response to the poem! Janice
Rodgers Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Dear Janice, Your poem felt like stepping into a cozy living room on Christmas Eve. I especially loved how you captured that quiet magic before the day itself arrives. It makes me pause and smile, remembering my own holiday evenings. Holiday Blessings, Dear Janice, Daniel
Canerdy Avatar
December 17, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Daniel, I am very moved by your response to my poem! Merry Christmas! Janice
Allison Avatar
December 16, 2025 at 3:04 PM
such a touching piece, the festive period isnt a happy time for many Janice and we have been to far too many funerals this year to count:-( . i recall doing a poem called 'empty chair' when my dad passed away. hugs jan x
Canerdy Avatar
December 16, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Jan, I am moved by this wonderful response to my poem. Thank you so much! Janice
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