Christmas today has traditions galore,
Some we find pleasant and some we abhor.
The bright decorations we rush to unpack,
The eggnog and walnuts we enjoy for a snack,
The carolers that sing before door after door,
All bring back memories of Christmas before.

Another tradition is braving the mall,
Shopping for presents to give one and all.
The holiday spirit that leads us to mingle
Is the heart of the reason cash registers jingle.
Impatiently standing in long lines that crawl,
We’d rather stay home and be decking the hall.

Santas with fake beards and Polaroid smiles
Listen to wishes and help pack the aisles.
Candy canes swirled in bright red and white
Decorate street lamps and light up the night.
Cookies and candies are served up in piles
As tempting reminders of dieters’ trials.

Wrapping the presents in paper and bows
Occupies days and turns couples to foes.
The long tubes of wrapping last but a twinkle
As scissors all snag on each little wrinkle.
The creases won’t tuck into neat little rows,
And last but for certain, the price tag shows.

Rudolphs and Frostys join in on the cheer,
Musical songs that come year after year.
But scenes of the Christ Child also return
As shepherds and wise men help us relearn
That Christmas is not just for scrooges to fear,
It is also a season that many hold dear.

Christmas to children still comes as a toy,
Presents from Santa that can please or annoy.
That God came among us was His special gift
Which continues to give hungry spirits a lift.
No gold and spices could purchase the joy
That came with the birth of one little boy.

The tree may be leaning with lights all askew,
And holiday stress comes with too much to do.
But on Christmas Day, still givers receive
Less from the gifts than from what they believe.
And if you believe that the Christ Child is true,
May the blessings of Christmas rest upon you.