Christmas Eve 1974-1983

Christmas Eve 1974-1983
Embers glowing lower
A random crackle or pop
From deep inside the last log
Black and crumbling
In the cooling bricks
This Christmas Eve

Distinct candle smoke aroma
Hangs in the air with the smells
Of Dad’s pipe,
Apple cider,
Oyster stew
And lefse.

Piles of wrapping paper
Boxes, bags and bows
Heaped up in a jealous mound
Away from the toys,
Ties, sweaters and socks
Stacked neatly

Our stockings hang waiting
And few gifts left under the tree
For Santa will come while we sleep
In sleeping bags by the tree
Lit in the corner and covered
With ornaments - mostly handmade
​
This is the Christmas
I’ll always remember
A hodgepodge of them all
Mashed into one memory
Where the best times all live
With the loved ones so dear.