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

[SyberRose]

I always made Poor Man Cakes for years but haven't in a while...the fruitcake made me think of them...holidays have calmed down since the kids got married...not as hectic now...enjoyed Rita...:)
I like the name nonna...Is that Italian?...i had a nana..:)

[Rita L. Sev]

I try to keep the holidays as simple as possible. Yes, Nonna was my Italian grandmother. My Irish grandmother, coincidentally, made what she called "Poor Man's Fruitcake" :) Thanks, Rose!

[kublakhan27]

I hope you haven't showed this to your class Rita, even with the lovely ending haha ;P I must admit I was surprised when I got to that ending, as I was anticipating an unequivocal satire (at least I hoped it was satire haha). This really is a great poem for our generation...I only wish more people would stop stressing themselves out for just a moment and take those final lines into account. Love this one :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Ah, well at 12 I was not very well versed in satire (yet) LOL! Thanks, K - you are so right about people stressing out - that takes away so much of the joy...

[kublakhan27]

LOL Considering I was still a few years away from even pondering the notion of writing, I'd say this is a masterpiece for that age. Oh well, there will always be some people out there who understand what it's all about. They're hard to find but they're out there.

[Troy Henson]

Ha! I think I found my new Christmas Carol. I may just memorize this and sing it on the day.

You are so right here. Very well done Rita.

Regards
Troy

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Troy! I used this as my Christmas card a few years ago... ;)

[Troy Henson]

Haha classic:)

[Sami Khalil]

Happy Holidays to you and yours. Thank you for sharing...:)..................

[Rita L. Sev]

And to you, Sami - thanks!

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)...................

[Angel]

Ha! This is a fantastic look at Christmas. I'll be smiling over this one all through the holiday season.
I love it!

[Rita L. Sev]

I had a feeling that you would "get" this one well, Angel! Thanks! :)

[Angel]

Are you kidding me? I have kids...and grandkids...hey, and even a couple of great grandkids.
And guess where they all converge during the holidays???
WHEW! I'm getting to old for this stuff...

[Anand Sehgal]

days are losing their identities. true words, wise words !

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Anand!

[Lydia Shutter]

Awwww....this is really adorable and the fact your Nonna read it makes it one to cherish forever, Rita. I had the sense a child had written some of the words in a "you can't fool me" sort of rant and it made sense when I read you wrote this when you were 12. Your spirituality shines at the end. A feel good write. I enjoyed it. lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Lydi! I recall when I was 12, thinking about all of the ways the grown-ups complained about the holidays... :)

[richom]

Yes, Christmas certainly is a lot of trouble, but what would we do without it. How drab December would be. Excellently written with fine rhymes--I especially like myth/25th. Fun to read and even greater fun because of the ending.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Rich - I have learned to love the chaos of the season, because of the joy it brings...

[icelandicblue]

The reason for the season (although I always gripe that there is no magic in the holiday for the elves!) The back story makes this especially poignant.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes, the busy season for the elves among us, but there is always time to appreciate the beauty... Thank you, Blue.

[icelandicblue]

It is still a wonderful Christmas poem. It's a classic it holds the test of time.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks again, Blue - I must confess, this is one of my personal favorites...

[Joyce S. Greene]

I like this one, too, Rita. The true Christmas story was the miracle in the barn. You made me smile and I hope your Nonna is very proud of you and the way you've preserved and presented "her" poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Joyce. She kept the original in her bible, and read it often. She passed away at almost 99 years of age - pretty amazing :)