Christmas in the Air

 

 

Christmas is in the air

I feel so smug and good,

I like when lights are everywhere

As well as the tide of love.

 

The hustle and the bustle

Like for an important event

Filling every pre-Christmas day

With anticipatory intent.

 

The scrubbing and painting

From the old to the new,

An invitation to every passer-by

To stop and take a view.

 

Bumper to bumper traffic

Particularly at the round-about

Hoping someone would give away

So that we could get out.

 

A little fretful and annoyed

With a wait of any kind,

Preoccupied with Christmas chores

Weighing heavily on the mind.

 

Hoping for a parking space

In the already full parking lot,

Wishing some car would back out

And give us a parking spot.

 

Tension and excitement

As the days are counting down,

Little or no difference I assure you

In the country or in town.

 

 

Hear the Christmas carols

More so the old than the new,

These truly set the Christmas tone-

For sure, that is my view.

 

Choir recitals to attend

How I love the Bethel chimes!

Unable to attend for the last few years

On account of the COVID bind.

 

COVID-19 is still around

Though nothing like before

Thus, I have absolutely no doubt

We will celebrate more.

 

Save a thought I implore

For those ones less fortunate,

Seek out a Salvation Army kettle

Before it is too late.

 

Give a generous donation

If you are able to do so,

Things are not getting any easier

And everywhere it shows.

 

May this Christmas for you

Be the best you have ever had

And as you strive to achieve this,

Make another heart glad.

 

Someone who has little

Or maybe nothing at all,

That they too can enjoy Christmas

Because we made that call.

 

 

 

Christmas is in the air!

It’s obvious both day and night,

Above all it behooves us to remember

Jesus is its Light.

 

Stewart Russell © December 7, 2023

 

The Christmas Eve Rush

 

Today is Christmas Eve

The busiest day of the year,

There will be a hurry and scurry

Throughout this day.

It is the peak of the silly season

Especially on our roads

As shoppers move around

Carrying their Christmas loads.

Looking to spend their last dollar

In a bargain or give-away

Completely forgetting, as usual,

The next is the farthest payday.

 

Moving from store to store

In the excitement of the Christmas rush

Having left a lot for the last

Just to engage in the fuss.

It will be a busy day all right

Though to me, it makes no sense

But pardon me, all you ladies,

This writer means no offense.

I am just stating an annual fact

That relates to every Christmas Eve

So I would be glad if you laugh it off

And be a good sport, please.

 

The men are mostly involved

On account of the ladies’ request

But I am sure that most would prefer

To remain at home and rest.

Personally, I don’t like the crowds,

Within them is a promise of mischief,

Hence, I prefer to stay at home

So excuse me for being a stiff.

Be careful as you move around

In the country or the town,

Observe the traffic rules, please

Wherever you are bound.

Remember to hold back a Grantley

Or maybe two or three,

It will probably tie you over

Until your January salary.

Don’t buy what is only useful

To you for just the day

And then regret having bought it,

After Christmas has gone away.

If Christmas were a person

She would be filthy rich

Given the things we buy for her,

It is money in the ditch.

Support the Salvation Army

As they collect to feed the poor

And if someone is behind you,

Be nice and hold the door.

In short remember the courtesies

As you move around,

And, if you are accidentally bounced

Give a smile instead of frown.

Check your pocket and handbag

It may have been done on purpose,

Invariably with these crowds

You’ll find the just and unjust.

Greet everyone with a Merry Christmas

And a wish for a prosperous New Year

And resolve within your mind

You will help that wish appear.

 

Be alert and take nothing for granted

Remember, it is Christmas Eve,

While you are out there shopping

There are some who are looking to steal.

I have some advice for them too

It is this little golden nugget,

If you find yourself in the crowd

Keep your hands in your own pocket.

Allow me please to end

With something that works for me,

If only you try it this Christmas Eve,

You’ll definitely save some money.

To all my friends and family

Only go out today if you must

But I guarantee you it might be better

To stay away from the Christmas Eve rush.

Stewart Russell © December 2019