A roach curled up in the corner

Fire ablaze and cinders flying

A rat in a woolly hat crocheted by Nana

All huddled up and keeping themselves comfortable

In the well-lit house of Nancy, the interior designer

Notorious not for her taste but for her dislike of germs

Who used too much bleach both on the parquet and in her perms

Though dust found its way into her festive garlands

She laid out a tray of buttermilk cookies and red and green napkins

And let out a shriek as soon as the rat greedily snatched it

“Oh Lord in Heaven, why did you let this beast in my house?”

And Jesus came down, trickling with light, and put his loving hand on her forehead.

“Beloved Nancy, Christmas is to be shared, from small creatures to giants

They are all welcome to celebrate and realize that I cared

Not only for the decorated trees, baubles, and cheer

But for everyone in the world, far and near.”

As soon as Jesus left, Nancy looked at her unwelcome guests

Scrunching her nose with disgust

But made them mini cups of hot cocoa with marshmallows

And let them litter her pristine house with fairy dust

The spirit of this holiday can be found in cheesy movies

Gorgeous decorations and in your loved ones’ eyes

In the beauty of a Church or the last drops of sunlight

But meeting new friends is probably the greatest Christmas delight.

This was written by our contributing writer, Suzanne Latre.