A Quiet Christmas Moment

Candles flicker,
wafting scents of Christmas,
balsam fir and wood fires.
All eyes are drawn to
the mighty tree,
sparkling as colored lights twinkle
reflections in glass ornaments
passed down through generations.
Each branch holds the memories
of a lifetime of Christmases,
each memory a treasure
of sight and sound.
Bells tinkle a new angel has its wings.
Musical magic as a button is pushed
and Santa Claus is coming to town.
In these quiet moments,
there is no frantic unwrapping of gifts,
except in memory. 
I remember it all.
I've been blessed to see Christmas
through the eyes of a happy child,
and recapture those moments 
in my children's eyes. 
Nothing is perfect,
but Christmas love comes close.
Winter may be cold, 
but that perfect love fills my heart
and I am warmed.

~Elise Skidmore ©2023