By: Marlene Oxender
The fact that December rolls around so quickly each year is something most of us have learned to accept. Here it is again. We know the drill. We ready our homes. We shop. We wrap. We deck the halls and decorate the tree.
This year, we’re giving to others more than ever as we help those who’ve lost their homes in the states south of us.
We’re donating money. We’re praying. We’re shopping for supplies. We’re packing delivery trucks.
We watch as strong and capable volunteers take to the road. And we pray once again. What a reminder that life is full of opportunities to love and care for one another.
Whether we spend the holidays with family or with friends, whether we follow old traditions or start anew, the holidays cause us to reflect. To be still. To allow peace in our hearts as the world is changing.
Each month brings with it a different kind of beauty. For Northerners, December is a time to have fun in the snow. To find the best sledding hills.
To make snowballs, snow forts, and snow angels. It’s a time to marvel at the glistening snowflakes. A time when it’s easy to see the beauty around us.
Dearest December
Oh December,
your promptness is admirable.
Ushering in the busiest of days
snowflakes tagging along
winter settling in.
So many gifts you bring –
some under the tree,
some amongst us.
Family and friends we’ll see once again.
A time to gather.
A time for good cheer.
A time when loved ones are near.
Pretty packages beneath the tree –
but only for a while.
Ornaments from long ago –
some things never change.
The mantle with candles glowing.
Supper’s on the stove.
Oh, how we love Christmas Eve!
Grandpa speaks of thankfulness
for the food before us,
for the love between us.
Oh dear Grandpa, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Now we’re allowed to dig in!
The holiday menu as grand as ever –
potatoes and gravy and all the fixin’s.
Platters of desserts waiting their turn.
Oh dear Grandma, thanks for thinking of us!
Sugar cookies with sprinkles –
a part of the holiday décor
until they are no more.
Mugs full of chocolate with marshmallows afloat.
Who doesn’t love Christmas Eve?
Did anyone hear that clatter?
Quick, run to the window
and tell us what is the matter!
They’ve landed on the roof next door!
Can you see him?
The red of his suit
and the black of his boots?
His beard as white as snow!
A pack of toys upon his back
and look at those reindeer!
Hurry!
His next stop is here!
Oh December, we love you.
Must you depart so quickly?
In the morning we’ll head out-of-doors.
The snow will keep track of where we’ve been at.
Sleds will zoom.
Snowballs will fly.
Intended targets – watch out!
Oh dear December,
you really are the most wonderful time of the year!
We can’t thank you enough for showing up
and making the season so bright!
Dearest December,
I can’t wait to see you this year!
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Marlene Oxender is a writer, speaker, and author. She writes about growing up in the small town of Edgerton, her ten siblings, the memorabilia in her parents’ estate, and her late younger brother, Stevie Kimpel, who was born with Down syndrome. Her two recently published books, Picket Fences and Stevie, are available on Amazon. Marlene can be reached at mpoxender@gmail.com