Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Do you have special photographs of family and friends from earlier days that stir 
nostalgic holiday memories when seeing them again? Such was the case recently when I happened across a wonderful artwork of a simple home on a hilltop. Memories of Christmases past with my family suddenly flooded my mind and suddenly the scents and sounds of Christmases past were all just like yesterday.
Photos, pictures, and works of art frequently inspire me to write stories or poems about them as happened in this instance.
Offering here a little Christmas poem inspired by the delightful “Dusk” painting, by artist Trisha Romance, below.
“Blue House on the Hill”
Our old blue house sat up high on the hill,
Inside warm and safe from winter’s raw chill.
Cookies, cakes, and pies all scented our home,
None of us a thought to venture or roam.
❄ ❄ ❄
Recalling holidays in memories now,
And longing to return, if only somehow.
Our Christmas tree twinkling with lights shining bright,
We awoke Christmas mornings, filled with delight.
❄ ❄ ❄
Brightly-wrapped packages beneath the tree,
We dove in to open them with happiness and glee.
Our parents observed (from a safe distance),
Unwrapping packages never called for assistance.
❄ ❄ ❄
New clothes and gifts always gave me great pleasure,
But now looking back, it’s the memories I treasure.
Wrappings, ribbons, bows, and gifts — all works of art,
But thoughts behind them are what truly warmed the heart.
❄ ❄ ❄
Family would visit later to come Christmas Calling,
We always shoveled the sidewalk to avoid any falling.
Each person bearing gifts, as we had presents for them, too,
Every Christmas an over-sized sweater, handmade by Aunt Sue.
❄ ❄ ❄
Gathered at the table for dinner, someone then to say grace,
Silent moments, recalling ones now in a Heavenly place.
Christmas with roast turkey, dressing, potatoes, hot gravy, biscuits, and more,
Grown-ups would then visit and chat, tired children napped — fast asleep on the floor.
❄ ❄ ❄
Desserts, goodies, and treats would all then come later,
Even though still full, making waistlines the greater.
Spiced punch for adults, eggnog for those not of age,
Mother’s spiced fruitcake always taking center stage.
❄ ❄ ❄
I would like to go back to our little blue house,
Sneaking in to watch from a corner like a mouse.
Again, seeing Christmas thru youthful, wide-open eyes,
Knowing now the gifts and presents weren’t really the prize.
❄ ❄ ❄
Oh, the joy-filled Christmases of my past,
So many memories, and still they last.
❄ ❄ ❄
Christmas is a joyful time.
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