Poem; Christmases so long ago.

I remember Christmases' of long ago,
When it seemed always to snow,
And it's sparkle hung in the air,
 everywhere.
I   remember on Christmas Eve
Joyce and I were so excited.
That mum said, "You two, off
To bed, or I fear Father Christmas
Will not call here."
I remember snuggling down in
Bed, listening to the story my
Sister told, of the three wise men
Of old. What a picture she painted
In my mind, of the baby Jesus
In a manger, where his parents
Were strangers.
I remember being so excited I
Could  not sleep, and even though
I counted sheep I remained awake,
Until Joyce said, "For goodness sake,
Settle down, because if you keep
Awake he'll take our stockings to
Somewhere else."
I remember listening for the sound
Of sleigh bells, coming down the lane,
But head stuffed under the counterpane
I fell asleep, and sure enough next
Morning he had been.
I remember singing carols to Mrs Bengry,
You had to sing two or more, afore
She would come to the door bearing
Mince pies, always a lovely surprise.
We ate them on the way to our Neighbour
Next door, so good to eat and what a treat!
I remember waiting until afternoon,
When our small gifts were given, and
Though they were all that could be
Afforded, it was the thought that
Counted, which amounted to our day.
I remember the warm feeling of
Our family getting together, round
The tree, covered in cotton wool
And bright baubles which gleamed,
And, it seemed to me to be magical.
And best of all I remember you
Joyce, telling me all those stories
Night after night in bed, or you read
A book by candle light, I loved those
Nights. And I hope this Christmas
wherever you are, be it on some
Bright star, that you know, I
Remember you most of all.
Happy Christmas Vic and Joyce,
Loved forever.

Augustine Nash.