The Christmas Card 
by Dee Bowlin
			
I went to buy a Christmas card today
to tell my Love exactly how I feel.
It had to be the perfect card for him;
the verse inside must sound like it’s my own.
The card shop had a holiday display.
I read them all, but nothing was ideal. 
The drugstore’s rack was also looking grim.
I searched all day, and then I just went home.
I couldn’t find a thing, to my dismay.
This all became too much of an ordeal.  
The chance to find the perfect verse was slim,
so I sat down and wrote My Love this poem:

This Christmas wish 
comes wrapped with hugs and bows
and grateful heart that it was me you chose
to hold your hand through life as our love grows.

Boxes in the Attic
by Dee Bowlin

It’s that time of year again 
to climb up in the attic 
and dust off lots of boxes 
packed full of Christmas magic.  
The boxes are all labeled,
yet it’s still a fun surprise 
discovering the treasures 
neatly packed away inside. 

A Christmas wreath with pinecones, 
velvet ribbons tied in bows 
and strings of colored lights,  
always tangled, heaven knows.  
Pine garland for the mantle 
to be draped so perfectly. 
Soft teddy bears with sweaters
await the festivity.

The hand-painted music box
with a Santa Clause that spins
can sit next to the snow globe 
as this holiday begins.
The Christmas tree is ready
to be decorated now
with twinkling lights and tinsel,
shiny balls on every bough.

An Angel for the treetop
to watch over all of us.
She’ll help us remember
the true meaning of Christmas.

Hooray!  It’s Baking Day
by Dee Bowlin

Ready, set, bake. 
It’s Christmastime, for Heaven’s sake!
Look in the cookbook for cookie tricks, 
whisk and mix, blend and beat, 
turn on the oven to let it preheat.
Roll out the dough. Oh no—don’t stick.
Get the waxed paper and flour—quick!
Cut ’em in shapes—snowmen and flakes,
bells and trees and stars and wreaths.
Grease up the sheet, place them real neat,
bake ’til they’re brown, let them cool down.
Now comes the fun to decorate some  
with buttery icing and sprinkles of red,
or green sparkling sugar instead.
Add lots and lots of soft gummy dots,
yummy and sweet for a holiday treat.
But don’t eat too many or there won’t be any
to leave for Kris Kringle on Christmas Eve.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” 
by Dee Bowlin

I’ll be home for Christmas.
Let the holiday gala begin!
Light up the tree,

Buy some gifts for me,
Even tune up the old mandolin.

Have the turkey and dressing ready,
On the table, steaming hot.
My train arrives on Christmas Day.
E-tickets hold my spot.

From miles away I’m travelin’.
Oklahoma bound am I.
Railways sing a holiday song,

Clattering on every tie. 
Hang the stockings where I can fill them
Right away when I walk in.
I’ll have bags of toys and candy,
Surprises for all of my kin.  
Tis the season of joy and giving,
Mistletoe kisses for all,
A plethora of laughter while
Snowflakes begin to fall. 

Holiday Treasures
by Dee Bowlin

My wish for you this Christmas
is to enjoy one simple pleasure.
May you find a special happiness
in one single holiday treasure:

taste the sugar on your lips
as you savor sweet candy canes,
marvel at the snowflake designs
as they kiss the icy window panes,

feel the rhythm of the lights
as they twinkle ’round the Christmas tree,
smell the aroma of peppermint
while you sip a mug of hot tea,

decorate sugar cookies
with sprinkles or red and green icing,
bake a sweet brown-sugar-glazed ham
and offer to do the slicing,

join carolers as they sing
”The First Noel” and “Oh, Holy Night,”
and gaze into the winter sky
to find The Christmas Star so bright.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.