Another Christmas

There used to be another time when Christmas was a joy
A time for family and friends, shopping, cookies baked galore
The house was warm and cozy and had lights of every hue
The scent of pine and peppermint added to the spirit, too

The kids checked their list to Santa for toys just so precise
Forgetting how the "naughties" may just outweigh the "nice"
Their faces crammed with cookies, yet still they chattered more
Of toiling elves, and tinkling bells and if Santa's butt gets sore

And when the morning finally dawned the children ran with haste
To see what gifts old Ho-Ho brought, such glee upon their face
The smell of roasted turkey and the pudding made of plum
Added more anticipation for the Christmas feast to come

Throughout the day "Best Wishes" were offered by the guests
And the Christmas feast, as promised, was one of the very best
Friends and relatives gathered round to sing "Oh, Holy Night"
The warmth of the blended voices created a heavenly light.

The years have come and gone from that time so long ago,
How much it hurts to think of it, no one will ever know
My little ones are all grown up, and have little ones all their own.
My husband passed away one day and left me to live alone.

No lights or trees, no goodies baked, no one who really minds
I order gifts by computer now - - and stack them until there's time
The kids don't get together, they have other things to do
It's a different kind of Christmas than any I ever knew