Christmas Eve is magical!

Christmas Eve is Magical! The best night of the year –

Happy anticipation, Christmas Day will soon be here!

This Christmas will be different, quiet, rather small

But if we make an effort, a good time for one and all

Fragrant pine trees glisten, draped with twinkling lights

Hustle, bustle, busy – much to do this Christmas night!

Icing swirled on fruit cake, churches ring out bells,

Santa is a-coming, house is festive, clean – looks well

Mirrors festooned with garlands, children’s stockings hung

Delicious treats prepared, favourite songs are heard and sung

Sparkling lights in windows, candles flickering on shelves

Laughter as we wonder,

‘Now... where did dad hide that elf ?’

Expectation and excitement, time for fun and to be merry

Pour a special glass for Santa, maybe whisky, rum or sherry?

Mince pies from the oven with a glass of spiced mulled wine

Christmas films on rewind, stayat-home, cosy time

Cards with warmest wishes, ranged prettily on shelves

Remind us we are cared for, loved for being just ourselves

We’ll be pleased this year is over, so glad it’s out the way

But let’s not forsake this Christmas, it’s a celebration day! We’ll eat well, enjoy a drink, time will pause a little while

We’ll think of all our loved ones, some with tears, some with a smile For each time has an ending and New Year brings us hope

We’ll go forward with resilience, knowing we have the strength to cope.

Tina Cathleen MacNaughton Portsmouth