An Assignment

Write a Christmas poem.

The tree, with the trimmings.

Oh, Christmas Tree, by Valerie Bollinger

Remembering an extra special homecoming:

Bringing up the Christmas boxes from the basement.
Choosing carefully the holiday adornments.
Taking time to decorate each room.
Decorating with the grandchildren in mind.
Wanting to create for them the wonder of Christmas.

Selecting the biggest and the best Christmas tree,
Cutting it down to size to fit in the pine-sided room, 
Admiring the spruce’s perfect imperfection.
Smelling its wonderful scent,
Stringing on the lights,
Leaving off the ornaments...for now, 
Creating enchantment within our home.
Lingering in the precious moments,
Recalling cherished memories of Christmas’ past.

Waiting with excitement at the airport,
Anticipating their arrival from the international terminal.
Spotting their figures linked together...my heart skipping a beat. 
Rejoicing and giving thanks.

Pulling into the driveway at home...
Entering the house ahead of the others to turn on the tree lights...
Anticipating the joy of the little ones seeing the lighted Christmas tree. 

Coming to a standstill.
Looking in awe.
Their happy faces lighting up.
It was priceless.

8 thoughts on “An Assignment”

  1. Oh Valerie, what a precious poem! Christmas trees are such a varied part of all our Christmas traditions and yours is so unique, having your children and grandchildren decorate the lighted tree is so wonderful ❤
    I’m sending you love, Joy, and many Christmas blessings to you and your family!

    I also want to send you condolences on the loss of your uncle. What an amazing life he had. I know how grateful you are to have visited him in August. I’m sure he felt it as was true blessing and love.

    1. Thank you Mary Jane, for your sympathy.

      And thanks for your good Christmas wishes, and wonderful friendship.

    1. Thanks Audrey. I’m glad you could envision what I was trying to portray.
      It was a significant “event”.

  4. Valerie, you have become a poet. That is a beautiful poem! It will be a pleasure for your grandchildren years from now!

Comments are closed.