No Time for Christmas

I have no time for Christmas

It’s just another day

Scrooge had the right idea

To keep Yuletide away

I know there is no Santa Claus

I’m sure he is a myth

I’ve bought and wrapped no fancy gifts

For December 25^th

Hanging lights is bothersome,

Trees inside make no sense,

I’ll never hum a carol,

Or care about the presents

No wreath will adorn my front door,

No fruitcake will pass my lips,

Christmas cookies are too sweet

And go straight to my hips

Just thinking about that hectic day

With all its chores and messes

Makes me want to run away

From the annual stresses

And now that I am pausing to think,

Even the story is depressing ~

A baby being born in a barn

Is an image most distressing

Why would anyone do what Mary did ~

And Joseph; why, and how?

An amazing act of courage and faith ~

Hey ~ Christmas! I get it now!

Author's Note

One of the first people to read my poems was my Nonna; she always wanted me to write her a poem. When I was about 12, I wrote the first version of this piece for her. It has been much tweaked since then, but it is still "her" Christmas poem.

Reviews

[David Scott]

You got the lens into perfect focus in the ending...
I have been starting my days this month thinking about what I want my focus to be.
This poem falls in well with this philosophy.
Thank you for sharing.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, David. I like that philosophy very much. There are so many ways to view everything, it can be overwhelming. You are wise to seek focus... you will live with more depth that way...

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A pleasant end to a provocative and elegant piece.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Thomas

[emmajoy]

I began to read, feeling the corners of my lips go down.. and down.. and.. then got to the end and grinned. This is a delightful poem.. your Nonna's such a lucky woman to have known your words for quite a while. For me it's real and immediate gift however.. so, thank you!

Happy Christmas, happy everything. :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Emma! Believe me, I was the lucky one, to have had such an encouraging family. :) Merry and happy to you as well!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Beautiful sentiment, wrapped in an unlikely package. I like the "turn of events" in this one, which sort of really shows a moment of clarity. You have a beautiful mind, my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

What a kind comment, Sarah - thank you!

[Holly Mason]

nice words....
what a word smile
thank you for sharing fine teacher

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Holly!

[s y e]

This made me giggle. I loved this one Rita - loved the message.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Noodle! :)

[redflutterby]

Humorous poetic lesson on what Christmas is really about!! Im sure your Nonna smiled when she received the original. ;-)

[Rita L. Sev]

She kept it in her old family bible... a place of high honor! :) Thanks, Red!

[Tom]

An uplifting poetic piece that would surely find its way through even the most resistant Scrooge like callous heart !

A Yuletide joy to be sure Rita !

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, Tom!

[Sheila Kline]

I just adore this!! It is so wonderful you wrote it for your Nonna. I am sure it brought her much joy!!
The last lines say it all - the true meaning of Christmas!!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sheila! :)

[Lourisa]

I enjoyed this poem so much. My son wanted to put the Christmas tree up the other day so I got it down for him, he ended up playing with the decorations while I had to decorate the tree alone. I mumbled similar sentiments to those you express in your poem about the tree...
Lovely vivid imagery and great flow. Great ending too.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Lourisa! I'm sure your tree looks great, and your son had fun - playing with the decorations! :)