Christmas * Plain & Simple

 

 

 

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 

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

INSPIRED BY CHARM