Friday, December 23, 2022

Christmas In My Heart

The days prior to Christmas remain in my heart as family-sacred time.

Take a peek.

The house smells of cookies and pies baking.

 

The lights on various indoor trees glisten. 

Christmas music surrounds the great room and kitchen areas. 


There are hectic moments as the house readies for twelve o'clock when a child is born in a manger and Santa rushes in to proclaim the good news. 


Life is still a green wonderland here in Virginia but there are memories of snow-blanketed landscapes in Central New York and Long Island. 

❄❅❆❄❅❆

The elves are still busy in Mrs. Klaus' (Varsalona) kitchen.

Christmas elves wait
Santa's shop is still open
ho-ho-ho wishes
©CVarsalona, 2022

Charles Dickens wrote in a Christmas Carol, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” This is a simple wish that I choose to honor. Author/poet, Helen Rice Steiner, concurred with Dickens' statement: “Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day.” 

Christmas In My Heart
Christmas,
 newborn joy,
a baby in a manger
a beautiful little boy.

Christmas
memories fill the house
some hidden
like a little mouse.

Thoughts of family
here and passed,
find prayerful ways 
to holdfast.

In truth, Christmas
lays within my heart
I plan to celebrate
and do my part.
©CVarsalona, 2022, quick write

May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and love!

❄❅❆❄❅❆
Due to family festivities starting today, I jump quickly to author/poet Irene Latham's blog because Irene is hosting Poetry Friday. She invites all to share in the poetic goodness being offered. Irene begins with a look at a young poet's new book, thoughts on poetry writing, and a new ArtSpeak poem. Thanks, Irene, for always keeping the candle lit with inspiration: Writing poetry is an act of self-care, a way to grow and deepen all the days of our lives.

16 comments:

  1. Your whole post is so welcoming, Carol. Thank you for the reminder that the spirit of Christmas should last all year. Be well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The house is filled with the spirit of Christmas and of course, the mess. Happy New Year, Rose.

      Delete
  2. Thank you for this beautiful post! I can almost smell the pies and cookies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are cookies everywhere waiting for New Year's Eve, Mary Lee. Have a happy one.

      Delete
  3. Enjoy! Merry Christmas! You are a perfect Christmas keeper.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christmas joy abounds this week. The little grands stayed over one night and now it is time to get ready for the New Year's Eve festivities.

      Delete
  4. What a joy-filled house you have, Carol! I hope you will be sharing it with family and friends, this coming week and into 2023!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The house has a bit of a mess now, Patricia. Clean up time is today to ready for the new year.

      Delete
  5. It's a message of joy and hope, too, Carol. Wishing you all a marvelous time this Christmas. I hope this latest storm doesn't affect your celebrating too much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, the storm left cold weather but there is sunshine. It was a virus that attacked my youngest grand, her Mommy, and my son. We are getting ready for the new year now. Have a great one.

      Delete
  6. So lovely, Carol! Wishing you and yours the loveliest of Christmases. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Irene. Have a wonderful New Year. I hope you have a beautiful Christmas song to play on your cello.

      Delete
  7. Thanks for sharing your joy filled post and poem Carol, with it's spreading heartfelt feelings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle, enjoy your New Year's celebration. I hope the weather in Chicago does not interfere.

      Delete
  8. All the sights and sounds — happiness! :)

    ReplyDelete