dressed for winter, the gingerbread gang hide out
right smack dab in the midst of this favorite collection of woodenware
these two join hands in front of the jam-packed crock,
proudly showing off their cozy red scarves
and then they join their buddies, hanging out for just a minute
on the vintage aluminum spice rack
all four grin with glee as they end up standing at attention
in front of the much-used canister set
the candles have been lit at dusk since mid-November,
a gentle welcome seen from far up the hill and way down the street
the old bells gently chime, announcing the arrival of all who visit
and bidding a sweet farewell at evening's end
tiny hands craft snowflakes from red and white striped popcorn bags,
while nibbling on leftover sprinkles from freshly decorated cupcakes
priceless old and young Santas make their annual appearance,
gathering in and around an ancient ancestor's spice cabinet
tall twigs rescued from the back woods fill an old green mailbox,
providing a safe place for stockings to rest quietly til Christmas Eve
trees that faintly glitter shield a gathering of Santas on the mantle,
overseen by a treasured Cape Cod map
fragrant eucalyptus fills an old enamelware bread tin
tucked inside the fireplace constructed of old reclaimed bricks
Grandma's prized ornaments are welcomed from a collection of vintage glass jars,
safely stored since last year's appearance on mantle top
and a stray box of old orbs is unearthed with great delight,
a last minute basement discovery just begging to be opened
gentle hands smooth an ancient bed covering,
arranging the soft folds under an awaiting tree
a chipped and faded family gem
is hung with a smile and great care
each cherished ornament carries its own valued
memories of generations of Christmas celebrations
delicately transparent and tissue thin,
few of these fragile beauties remain with us
but the beautiful, life-changing truths of the Nativity never depart,
the never ending, firm foundation of all that is celebrated with grateful hearts
*
'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is
Christ the Lord ...'
Luke 2:11
*
