December 26

BEFORE Christmas children were so excited,
They could not fall asleep.
At every sound they heard
Little reindeer feet.

Eager ones would jump up
Hearing me close a door,
Silly little ones, thinking
They heard Santa's footsteps on the floor.

AFTER Christmas day,
The children crawled into bed,
Tummies filled with turkey and gravy,
Cookies and sweets- so well fed.

Fingers weary from opening
Boxes and  surprises in bright paper,
Now tired of giving and snacking.
It all feels like hard labor.

Christmas Eve the refrain was:
"I'm thirsty" or "I can't sleep!"
The night after Christmas,
It's "I'm too tired." and "Let me sleep!"

The stockings are empty lying all over the house,
Empty candy  wrappers are throw away,
Christmas paper stuffed into cans,
Boxes folded carefully for another day.

Finally the dishes are done,
Left overs put away.
Baggies sent with the relatives
Their meals for another day.

A few turkey scraps for the dog,
The table is clean and clear;
I go collapse into bed.

Tomorrow it's time to prepare for New Year!