I often dream of Christmas past
a time I thought would always last.
We’d start weeks ahead in preparation
for the grand and glorious exaltation.
Of course there was-
extra cleaning, extra baking, extra stressing.
We loved our big family, what a blessing.
The house would be packed tight
with all the tinsel, trim, and lights.
And as soon as the doorbell rang it’s first
“Here they come!” I’d almost curse,
for I was never completely ready
my armpits damp and sweaty.
Generations hugging, laughing, loudly talking
the timbers of our home quaking…balking.
A routine had formed in all the years we’d gathered
just hang out, do anything it hadn’t mattered.
Set a puzzle, play a game, take a nap,
cup of tea, take a walk, don’t forget your cap.
And always with the darkening of the sky…
just as dinner was nearly served-
Someone would holler “Kick the Can”!
So all would grab a coat, file out, run and hide
grandma too… every woman, child, and able man.
I’m telling you those were the times!
They were rich, they were precious,
so much so…we were breathless.
We could gather but once or twice a year
and it brought us all the joy and cheer.
But a part of me took those times for granted.
And now…
I miss them so, I must confess,
my big family and the entire mess.
Christmas present is much quieter
but no less sacred, no less cherished.
Christmas present is just what it is…
the Christmas that we have.
A smaller intimate gathering
of just us few-
and so treasured all the year through.
And the big family Christmas?
It doesn’t happen here anymore.
The stages of life move forward as it must.
Still…
We do gather at Thanksgiving, our big lot
the next generation now calls the shots.
Routines are different, a new order in place
and it is so rich, so precious and filled with grace.
Our next generation has taken the baton
and me and my sisters think on
of the times we had to sweat, hustle
and use all of our muscle
just to get the job done and fast.
But now we sit back…
we watch…we smile…we laugh
for the new age has come
and the old is not daft.
For everything does have a season
and being fully present
in each one
is the best gift, I reason.
Let go of the perfection and expectations.
Bask in your big or small celebration.
So give to yourself, give to others,
your whole attention and forget your druthers.
This time may seem it will always last
but soon your Christmas present…will be your Christmas past.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time…