“Christmas is my favorite holiday,” I say

As everyone rolls their eyes

And I understand it’s so cliche

But try as I might I just can’t deny

I love the magic, color playing with light

Childlike wonder all around

And the crisp in the air brings me such joy

The pure delight of giving (and receiving’s good too)

But mostly being together with those I hold dear

As the end of another chapter draws near

And I understand the holidays are hard

Get moreso every year

For there are empty seats at the table

Those we have lost, ones who’ve moved on

But not from our hearts

And so we do ache and long for

Their company at this time

That doesn’t stop me from enjoying

The jingles that make the air bright

And the ho ho ho and the mistletoe

Swept up in the merriment, a toast to the yule

The last celebration before we start a year new