“Why I Hate Christmas”
I love brightly colored gifts
with shiny foil ribbons and stockings
filled with tiny plastic toys that make small children smile.
I support charity,
the clink of silver coins dropped into a collection can,
donating time to those less fortunate along with extra cans of food.
I adore singing songs
unheard in the shower or off-key
at 60 mph as my dashboard thrums to the beat.
I crave feasts of warm bread,
family favorites, and sweet steaming pudding
with chocolate skin you pierce with a fork to get at the good stuff.
I long for peace on Earth,
wish goodwill towards others;
hold the door open for strangers,
and try to understand my fellow man.
But I hate the idea that one time of year
is the right time, the best time, the required time
to do any or all these things.
I detest the pressure to sing happy holiday tunes
we’ve heard a thousand times before, loathe the open hand
at every store, the downward glance as you shift by
when you have no cash to give, detest the obligation
for feasts and gifts no matter how thin one’s wallet.
Forced gifts aren’t gifts.
A gift can only be given if it’s not required.
Give because you want to,
because giving is its own joy.
Sing because your heart is full or breaking.
Bake cookies because you crave sweetness,
because others hunger for kindness.
Don’t wait for a season,
make everyday the reason
to feel what you want,
be what you want,
do what you want
to make the world better–
or else
what’s the point?
*image courtesy of BigFoto.com
**I hope you enjoyed my mildly ranty Christmas poem. If you celebrate Christmas this year, I hope you have a lovely holiday!