Christmas Remembered

I remember the Christmases, long, long ago
When we weren't so wise or as much in the know
As children are now with TV and such.
We were much more naive and did not expect much.
Some candy and nuts and an orange in the toe
Was all the inside of a stocking need show.
One small gift or two was enough to bring joy
To each wide-eyed tot, whether girl-child or boy.
The height of our Christmas, the Sunday School play
Where each girl aspired to be Mary some day.
The role of tall Joseph, each small boy's desire
As he stood on his tiptoes and tried to be higher.

We saved up our pennies and counted them out
In our little town's dime store, with thrills all about.
A hankie for Mama, bandanna for Dad,
A ball for the baby, we spent all we had.
Then we patiently waited the best that we could,
For the big night and Santa. We knew we'd been good.

By Joyce 12/16/03