THE DAY BEFORE

 

Christmas Day has its allure…the gifts…remembering what it’s like to believe

but today I’d like to celebrate the allure of Christmas Eve.

The gifts sit unopened under the tree, they’re wrapped…their bows are tied.

Christmas Eve is the last night we get to dream about the wonders hiding inside.

The anticipation brings with it a warmth and a joy, you see it in the people you meet…

It on the faces of every person…young and old…as you pass them on the street.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by this feeling anymore

because I carry with me a history of enjoying the night before.

I remember the night before I graduated high school…how most of that night I was awake…wondering when the next day arrived…what path my life would take.

I remember the night before asking Deborah to marry me…I had that whole night to assess…how I was going to ask her…wondering if she’d say yes.

I remember the night before we were married, wearing a perpetual grin…

wondering what the future held for us…waiting for that future to begin.

I remember the nights before my children and grandchildren were born 

as much as the days of their births.

I imagine if you happened to see me on one of those nights…

you wouldn’t have seen a happier person on Earth.

When I stop to think about it…this all started, I believe,

almost 70 years ago when I was born on New Year’s Eve.

I have no doubt tomorrow will be special…

a day you’ll cherish forevermore…

but keep in mind there wouldn’t be as much joy on Christmas Day

without the expectation…without the anticipation…without the day before.

With that in mind as this poem comes to and end

a final wish before I leave:

May you all have a joyous

a jubilant

an unforgettable…

a very merry Christmas Eve.