The Joy the Holiday Season Brings

It’s frigid outside

Like we were inside of a snow globe

Snow on the ground

It’s a winter wonderland

We  sate our thirst on that sweet,

chocolate nectar

that already fills our bodies, 

Creating a cozy contentedness

Children shrieking gleefully,

ecstatic at the sight of their first snowfall. 

They marvel at the crisp cotton-like flurries

Coming down,

as lightly as a million feathers atop their small heads

Which are caressed by velvety wool caps

Lovingly knitted by careful grandmothers

Young lovers are gaily laughing under the mistletoe

Enjoying each others’ presence

Without a care for the troubles tomorrow may bring

Indifferent to judgmental, wandering eyes

Grandparents lovingly nurturing their small grandchildren

The warm smell of soft sweet gingerbread

And old, clean leather nuzzling

the itty-bitty children

People building gargantuan, frosty, affable snowmen

Topped with an old beat-up top hat that’s been in one family for decades,

Fresh picked crispy carrots from Old Man Grady’s farm, 

Smoot covered coal, fetched from the railroad tracks

Across the street from the Town Square

And a scarf knitted in soft, bright colors

Gifted by a little blonde pig-tailed girl 

Who was maybe three years old

Warm gingerbread men

Baked by the kindest ladies you’re ever likely to meet

They all get together at the town church

And make Christmas food for everyone in the park

Carolers chiming like twinkly bells

Joyfully belting our favorite Christmas tunes

Parents drinking eggnog,

Conversing with each other while attentively watching their kids,

Cheering their children on during every hockey game,

Making sure no one gets hurt

People dutifully fulfilling their loved ones holiday wishes

Friends ice skating together,

Tripping over each others’ feet

And choking on their laughter

Happiness is what Christmas is all about