It could always be counted on that regardless of what the rest of the year held, Christmas was magical. It was perfect.

Regardless of what
the rest of the year doled
if you could hold out for Christmas
everything would be okay.
Hope would be restored
enough hope to last the whole year.

It was everywhere…
in the giant tree neighbors and friends lovingly referred to as our Christmas bush

in innumerable lights and garland

in the family cut out cookies

in oyster stew morning
in Dad’s meticulously placed tinsel
and Mom’s handmade gifts

in genuine smiles and laughter
and easy peace

Hope enough to last a whole year

to remind us that even when we
weren’t our best
it would all be okay.

Hope enough to get through Thanksgiving

to make it to the magic again.