Stage 1: The First Snowfall


Frantic frolicking,
the first snowfall polishes the mind.
White powder, toppling over the world’s entirety
as if a heavy, thick blanket of white decadence
glistening, shining, brightening the earth.

Careless characters,
jumping into heaves of plush,
deceive and shush—
the mind from summer days,
to impetuous snow delays.

Shivering shovelers,
assigned for excess snow removal,
parents bellow while your attitude twirls
Who wins? Not you.
shoveling while snow smacks the pavement; emphatically

Stage 2: Christmas Music


Casual carolers,
Sing in the snow; respectively
A grin; collectively
But the underlying statement,
is one that’s never shown.

Sanctifying sing-a-longs.
Praise thy baby Jesus
wondering when he’ll come
and teach us how to rise
from beneath us.

Infamous illustrations.
The novice Jesus; resting, steadily in the manger
To his harsh cries of anguish; dangling on the cross;
Our foundation—the start of something new.
Jesus or Santa—the battle of wit
Children to adults,
but the lies are vacant.
Music portraying
the double life,
of Christmas’ true identity,
some are vaguely mistaken.


Stage 3: Inclement Weather


Solidified surfaces,
salt sprayed, still slipping.
Ice trapped in the thin frigid air,
as frozen as your fingertips; glove-less

Tires treading,
moving nowhere in control,
some regain composure,
some land in embankments,
as quickly as the switch
from the-ranks-went
high to low from shame.
Dark, cryptic ice—
lathering atop;
entangled in the road.

Feverish frostbite,
on the hands which you clench,
numb, immovable and senseless.
Irritated moods and
unsatisfying contentment,
marks your skin with its ghastly touch
radiating the skin; frostbite or cold heat
shivering uncontrollably;
but the night is young; and so is the air.

Stage 4: Last Minute Shoppers


Scurrying shoppers,
in and out of stores and kiosks,
sweat drops as nerves heighten,
“What the F do I get them?”
Recalled phrases and shouts
from these common passers-by

Quick quests
through crowded malls,
forgotten gift retrieval; no time at all.
The day—The day of all days
One day that everyone can appreciate.
Coincides with normal life,
for one glimpse of lavish living.

Register relief,
unloading selected items,
scanner beeps as the price elevates
to its uttermost “lavish” number?
Right?
“That’ll be $598.35 please?”
Eyes widen a lot quicker than the wallet does.

Stage 5: Christmas Day


Vivacious vibes,
arrive upon the shimmering morning;
the white blanket has been fluffed; layers added
due to overnight work; overnight snowfall
The bright sun shoots through the window,
the glare reflects off the ornaments,
organized accordingly,
on the evergreen.

Honey ham,
with rum in hand,
festivities begin with cheers
fear the “too drunk” stage
awkward family moments
for years to share.

Family focused,
Today is for those who surround you,
those who sacrifice,
and build to benefit each other.
Sitting back as Uncle Tom tells his yearly
“I love you all” speech;
mother disrobes his liquor
Nice one, Mom.
The preparation paid off, as the day
moves swimmingly,
From the secluded snickers,
To the “knee-slapping I-can’t-catch-my-breath howls.
And small funny gifts, to breathtaking “How did you know?!?” eruptions
But those who give gifts,
give their heart as well.
In return, only wish
for the happiness of another.
Because money can’t buy
the gift of family.
Merry Christmas everybody!