HAS ANYBODY HERE SEEN CHRISTMAS? by Deitz Kracker
Come near November when the wind blows cold,
The story of Christmas begins to unfold.
People are grim and down in the mouth,
Thoughts soon turn to escaping down south.
The first frost and snow leave a blanket of white,
Kids start to dream of their first snowball fight.
Men dream of gas bills, anti-freeze, and snow tires,
While women close curtains and sit by their fires.
Pre-Christmas sales! Half-price! Two for one!
Christmas cards are on sale before Halloween’s done.
The malls are all tinseled, they start selling trees,
The street’s decorated before the first freeze.
Volunteers ring bells in front of each store,
Each want you to give just a little bit more.
We can be generous, so give and relax,
And plan to deduct it on our next income tax.
I’d love a real tree, they always smell nice,
But the part that smells most is the outrageous price.
We bought one last year for the best price I’d seen,
It died in a week and had been sprayed green.
It seems there is nothing that our kids now don’t own,
Yet their letters to Santa seem to have grown.
The thought of shopping this year makes me sick,
Wish there were some way to get it done quick.
Gifts through the mail end up a wreck,
It will be less trouble to just mail a check.
As for the others, I’ll get something small,
Last year they almost gave nothing at all.
Bring out the eggnog, the cocktails, the beer,
Let’s drink for the courage to face the New Year.
Put a drink in my hand at the time I arrive,
And a drink for the road before I must drive.
A trip to see Santa should be lots of fun,
The question is always, where and which one?
We wait in a line that’s a quarter mile,
Never mind what to ask for, remember to smile.
A quick flash, a pat, and you’re in the next line,
To purchase a picture for nineteen ninety-nine.
No wonder the kids are beginning to doubt,
Is this the Santa we’ve been reading about?
Christmas cards come and are hung all about,
Make sure that as many come in as went out.
Check all the names in case some are missed,
None from Aunt Mary? Cross her off the list!
We should go to church, since it is Christmas Day,
But the kids would rather just stay home and play.
The service at midnight would really be best,
But then kids wouldn’t get enough rest.
So, come near November when the wind blows cold,
And the story of Christmas begins to unfold.
We’re either too busy or always unable,
To remember the Child who was born in a stable.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,
Where is glory, to the newborn King?
