My First Real Christmas

for the Holiday memories contest

  

Oh the joys of

     The holiday season,

Presents and parades… food and jollies.

The source of many

     Fine memories

But there is one

That means the most… To me

So pull up a chair

Next a cozy fire

     As I tell a tale of

My first real Christmas.

I say that for it meant more to me

     Then gift wrap and stockings.

 

Once upon a time

When I was a young cowboy

My family moved

From Idaho

To sunny California

In search

Of a brighter future.

That very first year

As we established our life

And my father’s business

The money was tight

So it was decided

That us four kids

Would only get

One small present.

I remember mine,

A hand held electronic

     Football game.

It wasn’t much

But was happy to get it.

Most importantly

That year we shared

     Love and laughter

Over a home cooked meal

Then I played with that game

For hours.

We may not had much

     But we had each other

And we all enjoyed ourselves.

So at the ripe old age

     Of nine

I finally experienced

My first real Christmas

For it was the year

I learned the true meaning…

 

Family and togetherness,

The End.

Reviews

[The DuchessPoet]

Cowboy,
I haven't shared with you something about me... I believe that I was a bull riding cowgirl in my past life!
LOL
One of the things that I loved about living in Texas was Billy Bob's and the cowboy's ... I square dance and I was on my first horse at 5 (I'll post the pics) My family, on my mother side, are ranchers & hunters and my aunt has a 7 acre ranch in Ohio! Of which I be visiting next week~ (SMILING)

This poem touches every fiber within my heart!

I love it, I love it, I love It!!!

Beautiful! Keep em' comin' darlin'!

[.::Cup^E^Cake*RaWr!*::.]

Wow that is so beautiful & heartfelt! For me a realy Christmas is not only family & togetherness but remember the true Reason for the Season!

[Brianna Brie]

Oh that is why I love Christmas so much for I am blessed with lots of family. Thanks for the heartfelt sharing.

[TamiViolet]

This touches me because you took me on a journey back to another time and place, a Christmas of the past. Although my wondering eyes didn't go back as far as yours (the ripe old age of nine), I found myself in a place with my daughter. Those years were the best times in my life, and for the reasons that you vividly describe....learning the true meaning of Christmas....

Family and togetherness...

You are right in that it's not about money or presents. It really isn't. I bet your mom was thrilled to see how happy and content you were with a home-cooked meal and your electronic football game, her little Cowboy, innocent and full of vigor and life.

I agree with your other readers. This is indeed a write that embraces the soul with memories of innocence,
reminding us to focus on what's really important....love and togetherness.

Now, if I can just convince my son...lol. (I'm playing)

Very beautiful work Dale :-) Best of luck in the contest my friend.

[Spoken]

a very meaningful christmas indeed! Glad you have such a fine memory under your belt. Proof that the value of a present is not found on it's price tag. This reminds me of an old baseball handheld i had. looking at the graphics of todays games it was lacking.. simple outlines that resembled some form of people studdering in motion along the tiny screen making that beep beep beep noise as they rounded the bases.. but i loved that thing! thanks for the nostalgic feelings!

[Fabian G. Franklin]

A great piece of nostalgic prose poetry, makes one feel all warm inside and hungry for some good Christmas food....don't forget the food. lol 10th line from the bottom, " We may not have had much"? A wonderful trip back to childhood, I enjoyed.

[Fran Marie]

For it was the year

I learned the true meaning�



Family and togetherness


A heartwarming piece of Christmas memories~ Family and togetherness

is truly what it's all about and what we should we cherish~ Very nicely expressed~and well penned~FRan

[Ladysue]

Cowboy, this touched me as I am sure it will many others. It was not only beautifully and thoughtfully written, but the message was extremely heartwarming and I love it!

[Angelic Darkness]

This is such a heartfelt poem, and I'm sure will touch everyone
who reads it. We fail to really miss what is truly important over the
holidays. AD

[DeeDee Kaulitz]

What a lovely and nostalgic piece I enjoyed it immensely!