Holiday Spirit by Audrey Coulter

This is a poem by NOSHA member, Audrey Coulter. She read it to attendees at our annual Winter Solstice party earlier this month and we thought it was so good that we should highlight it for everyone who couldn't be there!

I no longer believe in Christmas

Nativity scenes make me cringe

Halleluiah choruses assault my ears

Santa and elves bring me to tears

I once believed in the myth

Believed in peace, hope and love

Decked the largest evergreen tree

For all to see and complement me

I baked the puddings, pies and cakes

Wrapped and tied a mountain of presents

Tipped the postman and the teacher

Prayed in church with the eloquent preacher

But in my subconscious year after year

I began to understand my deepest fear

That all of this was a grand delusion

Resulting in profound confusion

While I am celebrating the season

The chaotic world fights wars without reason

Religions fight over which one is right

There’s no peace on earth this Christmas night

No more will I drink from the cup of mirth

Toasting the season and expanding my girth

Maxing my credit to give more and more

I’m turning it off and shutting the door

I’ll light a warm fire and reflect in the glow

Dream of a world tranquil and free

Where nations agree that war should cease

Where all are free and live in peace

Than like the old man that flies through the sky

I’ll open my wallet and give my best try

To assist those who need me and have much to fear

Now that’s the true Christmas year after year.