'Preparedness Month'

This week's prompt from Poetic Bloomings is be prepared.  Last night, when I could not sleep after another crazy busy day of preparations, this prompt was just what the doctor ordered.  It really helped me to calm down, and see that things are pretty good after all.  I still feel helplessly unprepared, when I stare at our 'to do' list.  But deep inside I know that ultimately all that matters is to live the spirit of Christmas.  Enjoy this miraculous time of year.  All is well.  We are preparing...  Here is what I wrote in the wee hours of the morning:

The letters to Santa

Have long been written,

And sent on their way,

The crazy ordeal of                                

The last minute shopping                    

Is looming ahead.

The yearly trial                                        

Of marriage substance –

Arranging the tree–

Is seriously dreaded,

But can’t be escaped.

The house is a mess.

And all of a sudden

My son comes carrying

His sister’s ‘boy-doll’.

He says that it’s Jesus,

And makes a manger,

And brings gifts to him. 

And all of our burdens

Are seen as weightless,

And shoulders straighten.

We put on Sinatra,

He’s singing us carols,

Like no one else can.

We light Advent candles,

We pray at mealtime,

We start to prepare.

Live for the Love of it,

The Happy Amateur