Christmas, Still

Christmas used to shine louder.

Pine trees breathing into the room.

Polite smiles exchanged like knowing nods that

We are all holding a sacred spark.

I believed in the rush of wonder.

A red-suited promise

Moving through the night

For children who tried,

For hearts still open to magical delights.

Now the glow is quieter.

Adulthood teaches the light to dim,

But not to disappear.

The spirit stayed.

It learned how to live in hands,

In longer hugs,

In kisses that linger

Because tomorrow is never promised.

This season,

Love your people on purpose.

Hold them like memory.

Wrap them like prayer.

Christmas is still here,

Soft,

Waiting,

Faithful.