Christmas Day

We emerge from our winter slumber.
It is still dark outside.
The sun has yet to greet the horizon.
The house is aglow
Lit with joy and glee
For Christmas is here.
And the big Jolly Elf
Emptied his sack
The giving and generous spirit he is.

The children can’t hardly wait!
They’ve counted down the days.
It’s taken so long, it seems,
For this day to appear.
The presents are lovingly wrapped
In festive colored paper
of snowmen, Santa himself,
Reindeer and penguins.
They shimmer in the
Sparkling Christmas lights
Under the tree.

It's the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
Let’s tear into the mysteries
That lie beneath
The paper and tape that sheathes its true contents.

Paper is tossed into a huge pile.
Opened packages are placed in neat rows.
A surprise accompanies a feigned smile, 
Sometimes confusion
Or a true delight.

I savor the magic in the air
 
Music softly plays
A fireplace flame flickers on the screen.
The kids sneak a bite of candy or two.
There on the floor,
Under the tree now bare
Its goods all opened
All before breakfast.