Ten Christmases

It's that very special time of year. Again. Some look forward to it. Some dread it. It brings joy. And it brings sorrow. But it always leaves lasting memories. Each and every one of us makes a mark on the hearts of others. Let's try to leave fingerprints... not smudges.

I always put out this post I originally wrote in 2005 in the hopes that maybe I can help make your holidays a little easier and your memories a bit brighter. Maybe I just need a yearly reminder myself! In any case... here it is. 

Ten Christmases

                                            

Ten Christmases from now

you won't remember
how many lights you put up.

How many cards you got back,

or how many parties you were invited to.

You'll never remember
if it snowed on Christmas Eve,

or if anyone came late for Christmas dinner.

No one will recall how much time and money

you spent shopping, 

or how nicely you wrapped the gifts.

It won't be important anymore
that your house

wasn't neat and tidy 

when company stopped by to visit.

Ten Christmases from now

you'll only remember 
baking cookies with the kids. 
Drinking hot chocolate 

after Christmas Mass,

and stealing kisses under the mistletoe

with the one you love.

You'll still remember visiting old friends, 

reading Christmas stories to the children,

and calling your grandmother
to tell her how much you loved 
the afghan she crocheted for you.

When you close your eyes 
ten Christmases from now

you'll smile when you remember 

the looks on your kids faces
when they woke up and discovered 
Santa had eaten all the cookies 

they left out for him.

Ten Christmases from now 

the only memories you'll cherish 

will be the ones 

you hold in your heart.

The smiles, the laughter, the joy, the singing,

and the hugs.

Christmas is love. Fill your heart with it.

Happy Holidays to all my friends and Readers.

Here's hoping that 2018 will be a great year for all of us!
One more thing...
Happy Birthday to my husband, Bob!
I love you honey!