Excitement is in the air
For Christmas will soon be here.
Time to decorate the tree
Oh, what fun that will be.

I select a tree with perfect shape
So I can place it any way
With no empty space
That I must hide by turning it another way

I select from my stash of garland and balls
To find some special ones this year
Because I cannot use them all.
The lights are in a tangle and must be
Untangled or not used at all.

After the lights I string the musical bells
To chime out carols we love to hear
And enjoy every blessed year.
The story of the Christ Child they tell.

I place the angel on the tree top
Where her sweet smile to me is sent
As she watches me circle the tree with garland
And place each special ornament.

I place the dove of peace on a green limb
And hang some candy canes all around
Where they are certain to be found
And a star has to be there to remind us of Bethlehem.

The special ornaments are selected with care
From those store bought and others hand made
Telling the story of Christmas trees through the years
And lovingly place each in place as I smile through my tears.

The tinsel icicles are draped from limb to limb
And straightened just right.
Then I dust the tree with some fake snow
And spread the festive skirt under the tree, below.

I step back and turn on the lights
To see the magical tree
All glittery and bright
Ready for presents from Santa and me.

ŠJane Ward Smith
12/11/04
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