Christmas Joy

i remember…

santa claus

stomping in with a big ho-ho
boots sloughing snow
gloved hands wiping ice
from hat and beard

a huge red sack
slung over his back

seated in the corner chair
belly heavy and full
children gathered round
while he told the christmas story
and handed out gifts
to each of us by name

as quick as he came,
he’d be gone…
back to his reindeer he’d say

daddy, daddy did you see santa? he was here!
but dad had gone out for firewood
and just missed santa

such joy

those christmas eve parties
with laughter and friends
sparkling dishes and decorations
cookie trees and gingerbread houses

and santa

whose hands finally gave him away
when I was nine
curled up on his knee
waiting for my gift
listening to his story
holding his hand
the hand I knew
and loved

such joy
and generosity

his gift

it wasn’t in the bag
slung over the shoulder

it was the hug
the gentle hand
the love

and my mother
wrangling the kids
creating the space
laughing and beaming
witnessing and orchestrating
the magic

♡ Annie

Originally published at http://www.jomafilms.com on December 22, 2020.