A magic glow of a quiet tree that shimmers in the break of dawn
Neatly arranged presents for a trio of good little girls
Stockings filled to the brim with trinkets of everything but coal
Waiting for us to dive right in and see Santa’s surprises
A teddy bear with a bright red bow that lights up an old woman’s face
Those plastic dolls with clickable clothes hidden under the upstairs tree
An envelope bringing grandmother and granddaughter together for a new Broadway passion
A naughty Chippendale nightshirt and new leather jacket that make a dad cringe
That unmistakable, coveted Cabbage Patch shaped box
A sweater two sizes too small as an attempted compliment
Tears shed every year over that one great sentimental find
As discarded wrapping is carefully collected and treasures stacked
There’s an annual sneaking of a chocolate chip cookie before breakfast
While the smells of croissants and cinnamon rolls light up the kitchen
And family is united at one table of excitement and sharing
Many Christmases merge into one
Except the one that almost wasn’t
The one where we were the adopted family
Blessings of clothing, food, and kind cards filled our hearts
And we felt the true meaning of Christmas
As love enveloped us in the form of need received and lighter hearts
We are forever humbled by humanity’s hand
For of all the merry morning memories in my mind
I will never forget the one that meant the most