Dearest December

The fact that December rolls around so quickly each year is something most of us have learned to accept. Here it is again. We know the drill. We ready our homes. We shop. We wrap. We deck the halls and decorate the tree.

This year, we’re giving to others more than ever as we help those who’ve lost their homes in the states south of us. We’re donating money. We’re praying. We’re shopping for supplies. We’re packing delivery trucks.

We watch as strong and capable volunteers take to the road. And we pray once again. What a reminder that life is full of opportunities to love and care for one another.

Whether we spend the holidays with family or with friends, whether we follow old traditions or start anew, the holidays cause us to reflect. To be still. To allow peace in our hearts as the world is changing.  

Each month brings with it a different kind of beauty. For Northerners, December is a time to have fun in the snow. To find the best sledding hills. To make snowballs, snow forts, and snow angels. It’s a time to marvel at the glistening snowflakes. A time when it’s easy to see the beauty around us.   

Dearest December

Oh December,

your promptness is admirable.

Ushering in the busiest of days

snowflakes tagging along

winter settling in.

So many gifts you bring –

some under the tree,

some amongst us.

Family and friends we’ll see once again.

A time to gather.

A time for good cheer.

A time when loved ones are near.

Pretty packages beneath the tree –

but only for a while.

Ornaments from long ago –   

some things never change.

The mantle with candles glowing.

I can’t wait to see you this year!

Supper’s on the stove.

Oh, how we love Christmas Eve!

Grandpa speaks of thankfulness

  for the food before us,

for the love between us.

 Oh dear Grandpa, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Now we’re allowed to dig in!    

The holiday menu as grand as ever –

potatoes and gravy and all the fixin’s.

Platters of desserts waiting their turn.

Oh dear Grandma, thanks for thinking of us!

Sugar cookies with sprinkles –

 a part of the holiday décor

until they are no more.       

 Mugs full of chocolate with marshmallows afloat.

Who doesn’t love Christmas Eve?

 Did anyone hear that clatter?

Quick, run to the window

and tell us what is the matter!

They’ve landed on the roof next door!

Can you see him?

The red of his suit

and the black of his boots?

His beard as white as snow!

A pack of toys upon his back  

and look at those reindeer!

Hurry!

His next stop is here!

Oh December, we love you.

Must you depart so quickly?

In the morning we’ll head out-of-doors.

The snow will keep track of where we’ve been at.

Sleds will zoom.

Snowballs will fly.

Intended targets – watch out!

Oh dear December,

you really are the most wonderful time of the year!

We can’t thank you enough for showing up

and making the season so bright!

Dearest December,

I can’t wait to see you next year!

Emmy Shininger took time out at our family Christmas party to color

a picture of Santa Claus on the rooftop next door.

One of Stevie’s annual vacations was a stay at his sisters’ homes between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

This photo of Stevie and Tripp was taken on December 27, 2017.