As each generations continues on
The hype of Christmas seems to grow
But some simple things never change..
Children never-endingly hope for snow
My aged parents reminisce the stories
Of their innocent childhood days
Delighted with one or two gifts, and
An orange in their stocking always
It’s a natural feeling wanting to provide
Your children with all you possibly can
My siblings and I had a several more gifts
A wonderful Christmas, as always, the plan
With my little Angels the trend continued
My husband and I strived to give them more
It began with a large sack full of presents
As years passed they overflowed to the floor
I would always make some of the gifts
Knitting and sewing I thoroughly enjoyed
Dolls clothes; a favourite, made many times
Winter evenings I was merrily employed
But back then I never gave it a thought
To the seeds I unknowingly planted
Into their open, fertile young minds
A need for more was being started
And now with my grandchildren I can see
Especially when money is short, it’s tough
To provide all they feel they should give
The spiral.. will it ever be enough?
Over the years I continued making some gifts
As with each new blessing my family grew
An often challenge to make-ends-meet
Creating handmade presents saw me through
But in recent times I’ve pondered more on
The effects, what I’d change if I could live
Those Christmases all over again
So, this is the advise I would give…
*****************************
Ditch the relentless consumerism
Impregnated into the mind
Insistent, but only about the sell
A relief and freedom you will find
Simplify your Christmas
Focus on the love and joy
Being together and having fun
Instill this in every girl and boy
Only give them a few presents
You’ll be planting the purest seeds
Of gratitude, love and acceptance
That simplicity fulfills all their needs
Make as many gifts as you can
Developing your own creativity
Time spent is a worthwhile investment
In yourself, you’ll soon clearly see
Everything in life is made of energy
Even objects can contain our thought
Making gifts with love enhances them
Much more than anything ever bought
When creating for that special person
Always work with love in your heart
Enjoy the process of your making
Your higher vibration you will impart
Children truly learn from example
Easily accepting the way you show
Teach them the joy of simple giving
Their hearts will bloom and grow
All ages of children can take part
In creating something for those they love
A hand drawn around, or simple picture
Giving easily rises them above
I know now I would cherish such gifts, from
Children & grandchildren through the years
A treasured collection all made with love
Would bring joyous memories and a few tears
It’s never too late to start
This poem is not a lament
If these words ring true to you
Take action on your intent!
Trina Graves – 6th December 2018
About This Poem
As the poem tells, I have been thinking of what I would change about the Christmases of my past, not that I regret anything because I know that I did the best I could with what I knew at that time, but more as to how I would advise future generations.
The commercial side of Christmas has infiltrated so deeply into our lives and influences all ages, putting so much pressure on everyone who celebrates Christmas to buy more and do more, in an ever-increasing amount.
In my poem I was focusing on the gift side of Christmas, but I have just read a wonderful post from EarthSkyAir: Solstice that mentions an over-the-top light display nearby, and it reminded me of how, not only do the outside house decorations get bigger every year (in a seeming competition to do the most) but also I’m stunned to see Christmas trees and decorations up inside homes as soon as we begin December!
As EarthSkyAir so wisely says:
“The awesomeness of our universe shows us so plainly that love itself remains the truly treasured gift in our lives.
It’s beyond amazing, the gifts we’ve been given. Who needs to go shopping? Let’s just pause and be astonished by what we have.”
Profound words of simple truth, I’ll leave it at that!
Inspirational Poems 