Nutcracker

Where is the nutcracker
who stands sentry by the front door?
or tiny train going round and round looking for Christmas?
small fairy sled that’s carried generations
of rosy cheeked babes
sits in an upstairs corner – waiting.
the cats wait too – lazing in a slice of winter sun.

Now grown children pop chocolates two at a time
from the advent calendar as they head out the door.
Midnight Madness came between faxes.
slowly, lights appear in windows up and down the street;
tonight we add ours – lighting the way for the holidays.

Deck the walls, deck the halls!
hang angels on high by the stair!

Boxes of advent clutter the hall
heralding the season for Coco and Annie.
as we wind the garland down the stairs
they eye the little red birds
that will soon snuggle among the boughs.
tomorrow the wreath will glisten in the first light
and grown sons will step back from the car – confident
as always, that the car wreath is secure.

And so the season unfolds, if somewhat helter skelter this year.

May all the small traditions that have been woven into your lives                                          unfold in joyous procession!