Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Mason - A first Christmas memory...

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.

By Joanna Fuchs

The Old Family Album

The Old Family Album
by Ethel K. Gosney

The old family album
Once was prominently displayed
With its cover of red velvet
Trimmed in gleaming silken braid.

Every parlor had a table
Filled with shells and a paperweight,
And the album of your ancestors
Anchored like a ship of state.

There were old tin types of Grandma,
Aunts and uncles and cousins too...
And Grandpa with his cane and derby,
Fancy vest and button shoes.

Yes, the old family album
Once held its rightful place
In an old-fashioned parlor
Amid souvenirs and lace.

So if you're tired of travel
And your world seems closing in...
Bring out the family album
With the tin types of your kin.