Hi everyone, tis the night before Christmas, and I began thinking about the people I know that will have someone missing from their Christmas table for the first time this year, as I did back in 2014 when my darling father passed away a couple of months before Christmas, and then my mother-in-law on Boxing Day of the same year. I lost my dear Aunt earlier this year, and I am thinking about how my cousins will feel her loss this Christmas. I also have other friends and family who have lost someone this year, or who are going through difficult times.
The first year is always the most difficult after loosing someone.
A couple of months after my father passed, I wrote the poem you can read below here, and I hope it might bring some comfort to those of you who have lost someone this year. This is my gift to you. Hold onto your precious memories of your loved one. They are with you still.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past
Christmas only comes but once a year
It brings with it joys and tears.
As I go through the motions of gift buying, decorations
And planning menus
I am thinking of those who will be missing from my table
for the first time this year
They are the ghosts of Christmas past.
My father hanging Christmas lights in the pine trees
at our front gate
The carol singers under our corner street light.
I lay in bed wondering how Father Christmas could possibly
come down our kitchen chimney and through the little doors
at the front of our Metters Stove.
But he did – because the carrots and cake were gone
in the morning.
The excitement of seeing my new big doll Lucy
under the Christmas tree.
My mother dishing up the Christmas pudding with the
threepences hidden inside
Her Christmas carols that filled the house.
The long Christmas table at my Aunts
With aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents
And silly hats.
Summer heat and laughter,
Playing under the sprinkler on the back lawn,
And laying on the cool lino of the passage way with a new book.
The simple pleasure of humid summer evenings on the
back lawn looking up at the stars.
As I hang the special Christmas baubles on my tree
And light the candle of remembrance
I look into the eyes of my grandchildren
And I see the ghosts of Christmas past.
The Spirit of Christmas Past.....
When tears are in your eyes, it's time to look inside, your heart can find another way
Believe in what I say, don't throw this time away,
Tomorrow will be Christmas Day, Christmas Day
So, let the shadows go, and drift away like snow,
Tomorrow will be Christmas Day, tomorrow will be Christmas Day
Tomorrow will be Christmas Day, tomorrow will be Christmas Day
So dream until the night becomes the morning light
Tomorrow will be Christmas Day, tomorrow will be Christmas Day.
You can hear the music track by clicking here (skip the advert) - The Spirit of Christmas Past
A very subdued Christmas message this year. If you are looking for something more upbeat I recommend you go to some of my past Christmas posts -
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| Red Flowering gum - Australia |
My thoughts are also with those around the world who are suffering from wars, famine and natural disasters. I wish man could find a way to live together in peace and help each other no matter what our religion or culture. I wish for a light to shine in the darkness, peace and goodwill towards all peoples.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you peace and safety, shelter, food on the table, and time spent with those you love.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week.
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!
ThroughMy Lens
Image-in-ing
My corner of the world through my camera
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity.
and Little bird - Pienilintu
Thankful Thursday
Welcome to Nature Thursday
Image-in-ing
My corner of the world through my camera
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity.
and Little bird - Pienilintu
Thankful Thursday
Welcome to Nature Thursday
Hello there! I love reading your comments. If you scroll down to the bottom you can comment too! I would love to hear from you.
Beautiful poems and words. The trees are so poetic
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Christmas filled with love, joy, and cherished memories of your loved ones. The poem beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season and the enduring presence of those who are no longer with us. May the spirit of Christmas bring comfort and warmth to your heart.
ReplyDeleteHello Jill,
ReplyDeleteLove images, the Christmas lights and decorations are so pretty. I hope you and your family had a lovely Christmas. I wish you all the best in 2024, a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Take care, have a wonderful week!
...fill each day with light!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely.
DeleteWhat a lovely post. You're poem is great. I think Christmas becomes so hard for people and that is easily forgotten. Hope you had a lovely day. #MCoW
ReplyDeleteLove these light-filled images!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/12/the-beautiful-xvi-church-eglise-saint.html
Hope you had a merry holiday!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYes, dear blogfriend, I believe everyone feels the thoughts and the work of mourning differently. And yes, every year I think of my grandfather, whom I adored and loved, who fell asleep on December 24th. I remember letting him go because after his stroke, life meant only suffering.... I will never forget him, I can still feel him by my side in many ways.
DeleteThe holidays are finally over. Now we're looking at the turn of the year. What will the new year 2024 bring us?
Thank you so much for this wonderful post on
MosaicMonday
Hugs from Heidrun, I wish you a pleasant time
Thanks for a lovely poem and your reflections on life and the world today. I wish Peace for everyone and hope that the world can come to some sense as I believe we do all want peace but it seems very difficult to achieve. Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteYou are right that Christmas can be filled with joy as well as sadness. It seems that each year my Christmas card list diminishes as another friend has left this earth. I can sometimes get overwhelmed by the number of friends who died before their time. But I am grateful that I am still here, in good health able to enjoy the grandchildren opening their presents.
ReplyDeleteFestive! Wishing you and yours all the best for this new year, Jill, hope it's a good one!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo