PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Like many families who believe in Christmas 

either religious or spiritually

Deborah and I set out each year 

in search of our perfect tree.

And we usually find it right away…

with so many trees to choose this is a plus

Which always makes me wonder if we are choosing the tree 

or if the tree is choosing us?

Because when we stand it up…when we look it over

when around it’s trunk we roam

we smile simultaneously knowing…this one’s coming home

And when we add our ornaments 

with their corresponding memories

it transforms from just another Frasier Fir 

into our family Christmas tree.

Each ornament adds to the story of our life 

as we’ve watched our family grow

most are significant only to us 

and carry meanings only we would know. 

There’s an ornament for Whitman (what a great dog he was) 

and Ryan’s baby shoes

that old photo of Ali and me at the cabin, 

Bryan’s manatee and pickles for the grandchildren too.

And each year when we’re finished trimming 

Deborah marvels and always adds,

“I think this years Christmas tree 

is the best Christmas tree we’ve ever had!”

And that was true one year ago…

but with this tree I can avow

we’ve added another year of memories 

to place upon her boughs.

So as wonderful as last year’s tree was 

it’s the new memories we’ve amassed

that make this year’s Christmas tree the best tree…

and so much better than the last.

In that way our Christmas tree is a little like our life…

we fill it with memories of our joys, our laughters…our tears

And just like our life…our Christmas tree…

gets a little better every year.

I suppose that’s why when the right tree speaks to us…

both Deborah and I are glad

Knowing it will take its rightful place 

as the best Christmas tree we’ve ever had.