The Christmas Bonus

Keeping my perspective this holiday season

It's that time of year when everyone smiles

Under our trees there's piles and piles

Of gifts with ribbons, bows and ties

And our kitchens are filled with cookies and pies

At work, we get a bonus check

And everyone brags about what they get

They talk about what they're going to buy

Trying to out-do the other guy

There's a pang of jealous rivalry

When I learn someone's gotten more than me

But then I remember what Christmas MEANS

Its not about money, or cookies, or "things"

Its the time for us to spread good cheer

To be with family, far and near

To GIVE more than we did yesterday

And to honor a Christian King on his birthday

I MUST recall eating shelter fare

In dirty clothes and underwear

Just happy for a tepid plate

And THEN think of others who share this fate

There are people with no food to eat

They wear worn out shoes on blistered feet

Some people have no families to hold

Every day they're hungry and at night they're cold

There are so many things to be grateful for

Instead of always wanting MORE

So I will focus on the important reasons

That make Christmas the most wonderful season

Author's Note

This was inspired this morning by someone complaining about the amount of their bonus check. Not everyone is so lucky!! Merry Christmas to everyone, and Happy Holidays!!

Reviews

[Josie E. Cook M. A.]

Great write on that inspiring event...
you nailed it!

[D Connolly]

thank-you Josie :)

[Terry O'Leary]

Well, this was a lively, cheerful depiction of the X-mas spirit... and well done!!!

[D Connolly]

Hi Terry! Thank-you :)

[Beccy]

Two thousand plus years and still counting. We should hang our heads in shame at the lessons we refuse to learn. That for some it is which expensive and pointless frippery they want for Christmas, whilst for others it is the wondering of whether they will get to eat that day.

God bless and seasons greetings to you.

Beccy.

[D Connolly]

thank-you Beccy

[Kathy Van Kurin]

D. Connolly,
I sometimes feel like things are so unreal. The media has brought the world so close to my doorstep and it's reality is nothing like mine. So the reality of Jesus Christ's presence brings so much peace as I remember others and try to pray and do what i can for others. The reminder of others pain and need should be reexamined from time to time out of respect for what love really is. Thanks for writing this it helped me do just that............Bless your heart.......................Kathy

[D Connolly]

thank-you Kathy, Happy Holidays to you

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

Thank you for the reminder tis the season of giving...we ve become such a spoiled people.

[D Connolly]

I think we have become spoiled, and sometimes it's hard to remember how fortunate we actually are. But we can remember, and we have a responsibility to remember.

[Neal S]

Awww...This is a lovely inspirational piece. Merry Christmas! :)

[D Connolly]

Hi Neal! Thank-you

[Miss Sharon]

You have indeed captured the meaning of Christmas in today's commercial world. And yet you also write of the TRUE meaning which I know you celebrate as well! Beautifully presented. Merry Christmas to you and yours. ~Sharon

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Sharon :)

[Miss Sharon]

You are most welcome my dear! Merry Christmas to you and yours. ~Sharon

[emmajoy]

Superb!

If only those thoughts could be carried by each of us day in and day out, not just at this time of year. When we see newsreals of the bombing of Aleppo, newspaper pics of people sleeping in city streets, passers by laden with posh bags and the
rest.. we should hang our heads in shame.

Your finely metered poem says it all, tis a reminder of how it is to pause and think.. and give thanks.

Thank YOU, dear heart.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Emmajoy, happy holidays

[emmajoy]

My pleasure... and thank YOU.

[Sheila Kline]

Amen to your words! Instead of "give me, give me", let us "GIVE" those in need, and ever remember the reason for the season and the greatest gift to mankind!
Good rhyme in an easy to follow format Dani!

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Sheila

[andrew mitchell]

You only appreciate the value of money when you don't have any! The bonus of xmas is giving to those in need. A lovely write Dani. Have a happy safe festive season.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Andrew, you as well!!