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

[Baby Ricochet]

Cute poem Rita. To me Christmas American style is a celebration of capitalism's success and excess. The Christian aspect is trumped by the secular in spades collectively speaking,

[Rita L. Sev]

Sadly, I agree with you Mark. But I teach in a Catholic school, so I get to focus on the spiritual part of the season, and find peace in it. Thank you for your insights.

[Baby Ricochet]

Anywhere you can find peace is a good place.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i really like this Rita...why?

because you make the transition from how Christmas has forgotten its true meaning, to finding that meaning again...

nicely done...

i want that simplicity back...it's about the courage of a couple...and the birth of hope.

[Rita L. Sev]

I am lucky that, while of course I am surrounded by the chaos and commercialism of the season, I also work in a place that emphasizes the spiritual as well. In the world, it may be Christmas already, but in school and church, it's Advent - a time to reflect on that hope...

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Jacob...

[Pryde Foltz]

And Joseph; why, and how?
An amazing act of courage and faith

Yes, Joseph had faith and love. He really doesn't get the attention he deserves.

[Rita L. Sev]

Pryde, this is another example of our like-mindedness. As a Catholic, I have a strong devotion to St. Joseph, because he was just as courageous, though he was a "regular guy". He definitely deserves some kudos! Thank you!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

That was hilarious and entertaining... I feel the same way though sometimes till I put on a Christmas movie.

[Rita L. Sev]

With Christmas as in Life - it's all about the little things... Thanks, Dale!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

That is so true :))

[Einstein Noodle]

i go through this every year ... the few last days of shopping drive me forth with an i have to attitude. it only takes a couple gifts of selfless buying to remind me how wonderful it is to give .... your last four lines hone in on the real target ... nice job ... is Nonna your g-ma? and is she still with us?
E.

[Rita L. Sev]

Exactly, E - there is so much to do, but there is so much joy to be had this time of year. Yes, Nonna was my Italian grandmother - she passed away 3 years ago, at the age of 98 (almost 99) :) I share her looks, her name, and her love of family...

[Cassie]

This is so so beautiful Rita, the last line says it all, I now get it too...

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thank you, Cassie!

[rutherford]

Nice feeling of redemption from scrooge at the end.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yep - seeing both sides, and choosing the positive! Thanks, John!

[NeiL ArandA]

Hi Ms Rita...You penned this piece in a funny and humorous way
but I saw the message of what your piece is trying to convey.
Its truly humbling that God could have made a special arrangement
So that Jesus earthly parents could have been given special treatment.
But instead they settled for the most lowly and unglamorous places.
Fit for barn animals of horses and slaves. Indeed why He would do that?
The answer lies in His heart. That love is His most precious gift.
And that what Christmas is all about.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Neil - you "got" the message perfectly. I appreciate your insight!

[NeiL ArandA]

You're welcome ms Rita very lovely piece... my comment almost turned into a poem.