T'was the Week Before Christmas

T'was the week before Christmas and two little girls, 

one blond and one red (the redhead in curls)

Would giggle and squeal as Dad brought in the tree, 

he added lights and glass ornaments to heighten their glee.

Year after year, the routine unaltered, 

became part of the girls’ stability and comfort.

When the lights were emblazoned their joy became song 

as in harmony the girls sang “Oh Tannenbaum”.

The girls became teens; each Christmas was Merry,

‘til Grandma arrived with a gift – they were wary;

She said it was an angel, but twas more like a fairy,

 its dress made of feathers, bright yellow like a canary!

As Dad opened the box, he gasped (I can’t lie). 

Grandma was so pleased she wiped a tear from her eye.

Dad retrieved the said ornament and with love in his heart 

placed it on top of the tree and turned with a start. 

His eye met his kind wife's and she knew just what to say, 

“Oh Grandma, how lovely, we’re so happy today! 

To have a new angel to bless our tree 

and year after year we’ll remember thee!”

Now Grandma had talents, none other was better; 

she could tatt she could quilt she could knit you a sweater.  

Her ability to cook is memorable still; 

her desserts were legendary and made with great skill.

But once a month dear Grandma became prey - 

to the blessed event they called “Homemaking Day”.

The crafts, a bit tacky– we could not escape - 

popcorn roosters, computer-card wreaths and giant glass grapes.

Year after year, Dad donned the top branch 

with the bright yellow fairy for he wouldn’t take a chance,

Of offending his Mother whom he loved with devotion 

– to use something else could cause a commotion.

The girls moved on, they each would soon marry 

and have trees of their own (sans the bright yellow fairy) 

But they hold love in their hearts for their dear little Grandma 

and their wonderful Dad who placed love before drama. 

Each Christmas they decorate their own pretty trees

and with love and remembrance they fall to their knees

and thank Heavenly Father for the years so divine

when their father created these memories sublime, 

for it isn’t the gifts they remember through time, 

it’s the tree and their Dad and it’s all very fine.

And so to all a very Merry Christmas!

 May your own fir-tree with lights blazing green & bright red, 

be topped with a shining bright star instead.  

Giving praise and glory to the Son and our Brother, 

and perhaps some unconditional love for your mother.