Shining, sparkling crystals illuminated by streetlights,
snowflakes swirl in the night's chill wind.
In December, winter alters our world,
dark comes early, we light our brightest lamps;
logs fill the hearth, kindling lit to spark the fire,
to warm us as we draw close to each other.
Spirits lift as holidays are anticipated;
pushing back the darkness with candles,
twinkling lights, and joyous hearts.
The winter solstice signals the earth still turns,
longer days will return, yet winter delights await us.
We wrap gifts, strew ribbons and bows about the house,
secret beribboned bundles away to soon tuck under
Christmas trees gracing living rooms, covered in tinsel,
candy canes, ornaments, and lights. Neighbors come caroling,
children bundled in mittens, scarves, and knit caps,
we serve hot chocolate and candy canes, barter for songs.
Halls decked, family and dear friends gather,
sometimes meeting on Zoom or Messenger
to celebrate Christmas, the year, and our lives and love together.