The Trappings of Christmas: A Poem

Christmas isn't as much fun
When you're no longer young
And if you want anything done
You have to do it yourself

There are Christmas cards to write
And so many gifts to buy
And the weight of surprise
Is on you to keep the secret

It's enough to bring you down
Running all over town
For the one thing that can't be found
On your never-ending list

You're not the only one who'd rather be napping
But it's time for gift wrapping
Because you can't avoid all the trappings
That commercialize the holiday

But soon you will forget
How much money you spent
And realize it was never that urgent
To get every detail perfect

I know how to keep my spirits high
Stringing up my Christmas lights
Alone in my apartment at night
After a long day at work

Placing ornaments where they belong
I listen to Christmas songs
And as I work, I sing along
Or hum if I don't know the words

I still enjoy the jingle bells
And the cinnamon and pine smells
And the quiet, magical spell
That comes with a Christmas snowfall

I focus on my favorite things
Rather than trying to do everything
And remember that next year brings
The chance to do it all again