All is quiet, calm and still 
on another cold December day 
Outside the snow is falling 
from a sky that is heavy and grey 

As she opens the small cubby hole 
silent tears fall from her eyes
Dragging out the old tatty boxes
she gives out a halfhearted sigh 

She untangles the tree lights
unpacks the handmade decorations 
Her mind flicks back through the years
remembering past generations 

She picks out a gold bauble 
from a “seen better days” collection
Catching a glimpse of herself  
in a “seen better days” reflection 

Picturing herself back in time
as a child, a mother and wife  
Images flash before her
Christmas scenes from a previous life

Memories come flooding back 
of all those magical, festive days
Christmas throughout the decades 
each one special in so many ways 

Holly wreath hung on the door  
every tree light perfectly spaced 
Her smile beams a little brighter 
with each bauble carefully placed 

The warm glow from the tree lights 
brings a twinkle to her wrinkled eyes 
The woman now reflected
is proud, contented, thankful and wise 

The house looks warm and cosy
all decked out and ready just in time
The welcome sound of the doorbell 
rings out a jolly, festive chime