Twas the month before Christmas, and in my stressed head Spin lists upon lists and a cold mounting dread There’s shopping, and wrapping, and mince pies to bake. The bach isn’t booked and the project is late.
With deadlines and parties, and prep incomplete
The summer decides to turn up the heat
The in-laws are coming – we know what that means
Rest? Relaxation? Yeah nah. In your dreams.
Meanwhile at the office, reports are now due
By the 24th thank you! What? Really? Yes. True.
But I wonder who’ll care if the deadline is missed
When they’re under the mistletoe sharing a kiss?
And as for the presents – it seems such a reach
Right now we’ll be lucky to get to the beach
With calendar stacked and no end in sight
We’re all online shopping late into the night.
The camping gear’s dusty, the chilly bin cracked,
One tent pole’s missing, we’ll never get packed.
The dog ate the cake and now the cat’s missing
It’s really no wonder I’m sitting here stressing.
And just as I ask “Can I manage it all?”
The timing, logistics, the big and the small
In comes a text from a friend at the lake
“We’ve space in the bach. We’ll see you soon mate!”
Workmates stay late – even sort Secret Santa!
And as the beers flow, well so does the banter
And the season of Christmas proves yet ag’in
That humans do magic if only you let ‘em.
Tasks melt like ice blocks in summer’s warm breeze
For the first time in weeks, my stress turns to ease
Like Santa’s wee helpers – but in shorts and bare feet
Friends lending a hand make the season complete.
Once again Christmas proves that this is quite true
The impossible’s possible when shared among two,
Then four, then a thousand, then millions who care,
Till lightness fills hearts and hope fills the air.
And late Christmas Eve, as I sink in my chair
I realise we’ve made it – not a moment to spare
I think how this season that once looked too hard
Was turned into magic by those with big hearts.
©Ann Braithwaite 2024
