november and december

‘Twas the First of November

by Bethany Davis

‘Twas the first of November, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The costumes were flung on the stairs without care,
Everyone knew Mom would not leave them there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of grandeur danced in my head;
There’d be turkey and stuffing, a small, grateful clap,
They would “Ooh” and they’d “Ahh” as the Rockettes did tap,

When out on the lawn there’d arise such a clatter,
I’d spring from the stove to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I’d fly like a flash,
Tear open the curtains and throw up the sash.

The family would all be arriving, you know,
We’d sit and eat pies, and just take it slow,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a group of the kids, singing songs with great cheer,

Next up we would all go cut down a fine tree,
The shopping all done, the nights would be free.
We’d bake cookies and carol and decorate,
We’d cuddle, serve others and never be late;

Christmas morn’ we would read of our dear Savior’s birth,
We’d sing Joy to the World, say "Peace on the earth,"
Gifts would be opened, and children would play,
They’d all say thank you, then we’d sit down and pray.

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
Did I fall asleep? Did I just dream up this all?
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the kitchen and laundry I flew,
With the costumes, the cookbook, the calendar too.

And then, in a twinkling, November was through,
The turkey’d been eaten, still so much to do;
The parties, the concerts, the shopping and wrapping,
With baking and planning, there sure won’t be napping.

The tree -- how it twinkles! I redecorate it!
And then the next morning, the kids rearrange it!
The wreath on the door has a big bright red bow,
Don’t look too close, the kids picked off all the berries to throw;

Making cookies with kids and memories sweet,
Icing gingerbread cookies, oh what a treat!
The licking and smearing...can these cookies be safe?
There are sprinkles and sugar all over this place.

Up too late, exhausted, cleaning up that big mess,
I’ll stop and I'll wonder: Why can’t I be a success?
All my big plans, they were all stuck in my head,
If I give it to God, I have nothing dread.

The food and the gifts and the tree and the fun,
The lights, pies and cleaning that I won’t get done;
November, December, I want to enjoy you,
Not end up overwhelmed by things I suppose I should do;

Lord, help me focus instead, on what you have given,
Your grace overflows and I am forgiven!
So today on the first of November, I pray
Help me glorify you and trust in your way!