Getting back to the true meaning of the holidays

Twas The Day After Thanksgiving

Twas the day after Thanksgiving, when all through the land.
The people were comatose from tryptophan.

The parents were in their loungers and gowns,
Moms putting up dishes that were stacked in mounds.

The children were wired, as they ran through the house;
From leftover desserts, not a crumb left for a mouse.

The need to sleep late, was not to be had.
Well, not for Mom, a recliner for Dad.

When all of a sudden, from the ads on TV,
We sprang into action, the sales that we see.

Away to the stores, we flew like a flash!
We melted our credit cards, and spent all our cash.

As we fought over bargains, we pulled and gave tug.
Our behavior to others, with nary a shrug.

When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But another sales ad that made it perfectly clear.

“Behold, tis the season of love and of joy.
Those kids don’t need every gadget and toy.”

The announcement made all shoppers pause,
In their quest for the biggest Santa Claus.

How dare they suggest we not spend our money,
For blings and baubles, and things for our honey!

What? No bikes or rings or fancy cars?
No jewelry or laptops to go under our stars?

As dry leaves that before the hurricane flies,
The doubt and the questioning that showed from our eyes.

There lit up a memory, that we used to hold dear,
Of the meaning that came with this time of year.

As we looked to each other, with shame on our face.
We remembered when Christmas meant showing God’s Grace.

The gifts that we buy are supposed to show love.
The same that our Jesus bestows from above.

As I looked around, I noticed a Stranger.
That smiled with the love that came from a manger.

I smiled in returned and felt my heart grow,
Good tidings and good will, I now wanted to show.

So, I turned to Him in greeting, and offered my hand.
A sign of deep healing we need in this land.

And, others saw this first step, and offered the same.
We showed each other love, in Jesus’ name.

I saw in the recesses of my mind.
The time when Christmas made us so kind.

I’m glad I went shopping, for the bargains I sought.
And, came away with gifts that can’t be bought.

Strangers became friends and all proclaimed again.
Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, Peace, Good Will toward men.

Debi Logan Nixon
11-25-2016