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

[Paul Bell]

Well done Dani. Money may buy you things. But when you give your time to people. That's the real Christmas bonus. You and the family have a great time.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Paul! You as well :)

[Shy Joe]

The real bonus is reading your wonderful writings. The holidays will come and go, but its spirit is welcome to stay. Stay cheery.

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Joe!! Happy holidays to you

[Samuel Dickens]

How right you are. Dad said that on a very good Christmas, he and his siblings might find an orange in their stocking. On others, there'd be something like a piece of cold cornbread from the previous evenings' supper. At such times, a roof over their heads, warm fire and a Christmas spirit was enough.

[D Connolly]

things are a lot different these days, for sure. I was very surprised that the person complained about the bonus; it was substantial. Oh well, I'm glad that isn't me! It's easy to be happy when you're grateful instead of greedy

[Ted Kniffen]

Have been on both sides of that fence, not the bonus, being alone at Christmas. I much prefer a gathering of family and friends. Good write, D.

[D Connolly]

thank-you Ted! Hoping your Christmas is filled with love and friendship

[Ted Kniffen]

It has been for a long time now. You have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.

[Einstein Noodle]

well done D! bravo! wonderful rhythm and rhyme ..not a hitch in it for me! content is said every year but your poem puts it in a way that especially caught my ear and held it .. there is the depth of human experience with a touch of innocence...so great job! i enjoyed the read and will hold the lesson
E.

[D Connolly]

thank-you, that's very sweet

[An owl on the moon]

This is a beautifully flowing light so bright and wondrous among the Christmas lights of the season. To be thankful for what we have, right now, in this very moment, that is true joy and no money can buy that. :)

[D Connolly]

thank-you so much

[Mark]

very nicely crafted. Wonderful portrayal of the Christmas Spirit.

[D Connolly]

thank-you Mark

[jacob erin-cilberto]

it is the thought that counts, always...

when i was a kid there would be some small presents, and then one big one...never overdone....
and any gift no matter how small is a treasure...like sheryl crow sang "it's not needing what we want, it's wanting what we've got"

[D Connolly]

very true, if we don't want what we have we're in a sorry state indeed

[Gee]

Don't believe in the 2000 year old story, think that was dreamt up by a shrewd greengrocer in Bethlehem with surplus mince pies and fir �™ trees to shift...but that is just me. However, really enjoyed the poem.

[D Connolly]

I don't either, but this is the reality of our world at the moment. The important thing is to be kind to each other, and the Christmas season is dedicated to that, so it's my favorite. Thank-you for reading

[Gee]

My pleasure

[Valentine]

Dani, a heart felt and truthful write, You have a super Christmas too. Valentine

[D Connolly]

Thank-you Kathie