While the decorations were deciding

wether or not to stay pinned up

While the Christmas tree was deciding

wether or not to stand up straight

While the fairy lights were deciding

wether or not to stay on

While the kids were argumentively deciding

wether or not to be pleased with their naff presents

While the snow was deciding

wether or not to fall

While my hastily swigged Whisky was deciding

wether or not to get me as pissed

as quick as I wanted to be

While Father Christmas was deciding

wether or not it was worth planning to come again next year if Trump and Putin are going to get the gloves on

While our old knackered oven was deciding

wether or not it could cope with a mammoth Turkey

 

I was remembering those seats around the table

occupied by beloved ghosts

and without any needing to decide

wether or not to set a place for each one.