ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
© Irene Conner 25/12/10

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all were in bed
bar Mum who was wrapping up presents instead.
Not a sound to be heard when she finished at last,
as thoughts started drifting to Christmas’s past;
to the days of small children elated to be
all tucked up in bed, hoping Santa they’d see.

Precious mem’ries of days making angels and bells,
the baking that made up her Christmas day smells;
secret letters to Santa of gifts they desire,
the Christmas tree covered with lights to admire;
the excitement of kids as they squealed in delight
at presents that Santa had left in the night.

She remembers the music of midnight in church;
the pudding they ate while for threepence they’d search;
the pictures of Jesus – so sweet as he lay
in a manger in Bethlehem on Christmas day;
Christmas carols that honour the birth of a king,
the family closeness that Christmas can bring.

And she’s happy she has all her family near
to spend treasured time with the ones she holds dear
‘tho she misses the children who lighten the day
with joy on their faces in innocent play.
For it’s all about children, and presents and mirth
to celebrate little boy Jesus’s birth.

Now she looks to the future, to twelve months ahead;
another young baby will lie in its bed,
loving parents and family waiting to start
a ritual for Christmas they’ll hold to their heart,
and she knows that the mem’ries she’s dwelt on tonight
will help make their christmas’s happy and bright.

Hi Irene,
A lovely poem.
It's all about children isn't it, and rings hollow without them.
I woke up here and the house seemed so empty to-day, our only daughter and her family are in Canberra.
Then a ray of sunshine came mid morning when we had a Skype hookup and saw Maxine and the grandchildren who were still excited, it was almost like our old Christmases again. Your poem has added to that mood.

Regards Terry

A beautiful poem Irene. Christmas is indeed all about the children. I'll never forget the pleasure of Christmas with my children when they were little. Pity they have to grow up.

Heather

Great poem Irene Love kids and love having them for Christmas.

Heather enjoy them while you can but don’t despair they have to grow up so you can start again with your Grandkids; we are now on our third round with the great grandkids coming.

TTFN

Hi Terry
Isn't technology marvellous??? Not quite as good as seeing them in person, but the next best thing!!

Ah Heather, but when they grow up, they produce grandies!!! Then it all starts again - or so I'm told!!! First grandy due in February, and back to child orientated christmases!!! Yay!!!!

Hi Dave
Did you have a big family gathering for Christmas? Sounds like you will have to hire a venue soon!!
Hope it was better weather down there than it was up here!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful and prosperous new year.

Catchya
IRene