it's part one of two

it's part one of two

the Christmas spirit was once so grand

families gathered to share a meal

homemade vino for everyone, including the kids

cheap Xmas trees lit the corner of a room

few were the presents

plenty was the love

the women yapped like maddening ducks

the men smoked and listened, the ashtrays filled

the noise was chaotic bliss

no one ever expected anything more than one another

poverty had its limits

the carpeted floor became the favourite resting spot

the plastic coated sofa was always off limits

the newest colour TV was a novelty

it's where the old, young and children all gathered round

outside the snowflakes filled the air

trees, cars and driveways all turned white

the window was like a Group of Seven painting

snow storms were the norm, nothing to worry about

an army of shovels to help everyone dig out the next day

by six a TV movie of Jesus was mandatory

another big meal by nine 

by ten the walk to church was frosty and fun

boots, parkas, turtle necks, long-johns and toques

it was cold but no one seemed to get sick

cheeks were always a healthy red

the pews were always cold upon arrival

they warmed as the church filled to capacity

church was as important as breathing

and why not

Jesus could sense our needs

He never doubted us, because we never doubted Him

the opening hymns sounded like angels singing

the old Italian woman had big breasts for a reason

to guide their musical lungs

Ave Maria hit a nerve

the exiting hymn “Tu scendi dalle stelle” had me tears

by one in the morning people began their way home

just after the kisses, hugs and handshakes were complete

all one could experience was joy

Jesus held our hand all the way home

you could feel his presence

I still feel Jesus more on Xmas day 

it’s not about a day on a calendar 

it’s about a day we renew our soul

Christmas is more than a feeling

it's the life part of death

it's part one of two

it's about understanding our own impending Easter

merry Xmas

joseph pede