A REMEMBERED CHRISTMAS

I remember the first Christmas

I heard Autry sing about that deer, and I have locked in my head that memorable Christmas year.

I’ve known other Christmas seasons, but not one of them more fine than the one I had in nineteen-forty-nine.

I recall that year’s Christmas Eve when I was seven years old,

For I could not sleep and the floor was barefoot cold.

As I peeked into the living room as quietly as could be, and saw Santa Claus standing by our tree. I know I was not dreaming for I stubbed and hurt my toe just before I saw him there bathed in streetlight glow.

After all these years, it is real to me –

I know that I saw Santa by the Christmas tree.

Some say Christmas is just more capitalism that is manifested by commercialism.

But I will always think it honors a gift true that is given to us all, to me and to you.

So please mock not the season by pointing out its flaws,

And never try to tell me there is no Santa Claus.

— Howard Nobles

Deceased