If Saint Nicholas was here today
I wonder what he'd say
about the many preparations
that precede Christmas day.

Would he see us giving lovingly
without seeking in return
rewards for our giving
because we felt that it was earned?

Would he say,"Congratulations,
you are following the plan
to make the world a better place
for anyone you can?"
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(c) Viola Doncaster, Dec. 8, 1997.

BRING JOY TO THE WORLD

A Poem About A Christmas Past

Dad is busy in his work shop these days
he's making a cradle where baby will lay
on the day of the school concert when my sister Maureen
plays the Blessed Mother Mary for the holy manger scene.
I'm singing with my school mates and have a monologue as well
that shares a heavenly message in the story it tells.
Mom's busy sewing costumes for us,
because looking the part is a real must.
Rehearsal's important, so that we know our lines,
so dad says to recite them to him many times.
I hear dad and mom whisper about Santa Clause too,
saying dad has something special he must do.
When the concert day arrives we're all very excited
and teacher tells us our parents are sure to be delighted,
if we all do our best whatever we're asked
and that God will help us complete the tasks.
My knees are knocking when my name is called;
there are so many lines, will I remember them all?
But I recall dad saying, "You'll do just fine,
your mother and I'll be praying for you all the time."
I recite my monologue, then the manger scene begins
and I join with the choir as we start to sing,
while Joseph and Mary walk onto the stage
with baby held close in a loving way.
Then Mary lays baby in the cradle dad made,
a scene I'll cherish for the rest of my days.
My sister is beaming, with a smile so bright,
she feels very blessed to play Mary tonight.
The choir is singing a happy song,
"Joy To The World," as we all sing along.
When the singing is over, in the distance we hear
sleigh bells ringing and the children cheer,
"Santa's coming" and as I look around...
my dad is missing from among the crowd.
I smile, recalling the whispering at home,
when I look over at mom sitting alone,
and I think to myself can everyone say,
"Santa's lives in our house every day."
Santa passes out candy like a jolly old gent
and before we know it his time is spent,
and as he waves good-bye he reminds everyone,
that Christmas is the birthday of God's Blessed Son.
"So have a Merry Christmas" we hear Santa say,
"and bring joy to the world in your own special way."
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Dedicated with love and prayers
to Beatrice MacNeil, December 3, 1997.
(c) Viola Doncaster, East Bay, CB