AND SO THAT WAS CHRISTMAS

Good morning from Adelaide and me and a much cooler morning than yesterday.  And so that was Christmas................. and what have we done - dishes, put food away, vacuum, tidy up and all those post Christmas things.  Sorting out of things left behind.

I had a beautiful day with my family and friends around me - there was an immense calm and lots of laughter.

As we said grace and held hands I realized these were the hands that hold me safe and these were the hands that had done so much for me.  I was indeed very thankful to be here with these special people. 

My younger daughter proposed a toast to those we love our family and friends and we drank to absent friends - for there are many - some only recent and some now years ago.  There were tears in some eyes - especially mine.  I looked with pride on the babies I bore and raised and gave thanks for them.

Sharing this piece I wrote some years ago and "fiddled with" this morning.

AND SO THAT WAS CHRISTMAS……

Well my friend it’s over again

Time to pack up the tinsel and holly

Time to put away the tinkling bells

The lights of the season so jolly.

No more presents wrapped 

And tied with ribbons red

And is oh so much easier

To get children to bed.

We have feasted and dined

And eaten more than our share.

We have had turkey and ham

And all sorts of Christmas fare.

Our tables were dressed and adorned

With linen we had pressed for the day

Candles and ribbons and sparkling things

Will now carefully be put away.

And so that was Christmas

And what did it bring?

Such joy and such laughter

It made my heart sing.

I saw the children of my heart

On this Christmas Day

Washing the dishes 

And packing away.

We all worked together

And cooked and created

To say it was lovely

Would be understated.

The gifts were bought with care

And wrapped with thought

In boxes and bags 

To hide what had been bought.

When I looked around 

At  paper everywhere,

I was reminded that we 

Wrap each other in our care.

The ribbons and the bows

Remind me of the ties

That bind us as a family

"Neath the southern skies.

And so that was Christmas…

With phone calls to friends,

So many happy memories

It seems it never ends.

And now that it is over

And I am putting things away

I am reminded of the joys

That are mine  every day.

So as I sit between Christmas

And a year that is new

I want to remind you 

That you are important too.

You are part of my network,

My support group and my friends

I wish you happiness in the New Year

And Joy that never ends.

© Linda J. Vaughan

3oth. December 2003

and adapted 26th.December 2010

Have a wonderful Boxing Day - rest and restore for in 364 days we get to do it all again - and I am planning in my head already.  I have lots of projects I want to complete by next Christmas.

Thank you to all who have faithfully followed this blog - I intend to keep it up all year posting as often as I can and finding lots of hints, recipes and craft ideas to share with you all.

Enjoy your day - be safe and be thankful.

Love and hugs,