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Friday 9 December 2011

On The Twelve Days of Christmas....

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who left a comment on yesterday's post.  Thank you so much for your concern, prayers and healing thoughts being sent my way.  I wish I could give each and every one of you a big hug! (Steady now, we don't want to scare the horses!!).

I thought I would try to get us all into the Christmas spirit by sharing some Christmas quotes and poems leading up to Christmas Day.  The first poem is called The Spirit of Christmas, by Anon. 


I have a list of people I know
All written in a book
And every year at Christmastime
I go and take a look
And that is when I realise
That those names are a part
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine.
And once you've met some people
The years can not erase
The memory of a pleasant word
Or of  a friendly face
So when I send a Christmas card
That is addressed to you
It's because you're on that list
Of folk I'm indebted to.
And you are one of many folk who
In times past I've met
And happen to be one of those
I don't want to forget.
And whether I have known you for
Many years or few
In some way you have a part in
Shaping things I do
This, the spirit of Christmas, that
Forever and ever endures
May it leave its richest blessing
In the hearts of you and yours.

The second poem for today is Christmas Presents, also by Anon.  (This Anon was obviously a very gifted writer!).

Every year Grandma gets a tin of talcum powder.
She always says, ‘Ah my favourite!’
Even before she opens the wrapping
Grandpa always says, ‘Well, I know what’s in here.
Its two pairs of socks. Just what I wanted!’
This year, Aunti Vi had an umbrella in an umbrella-shaped parcel,
I mean, it looked just like an umbrella.
And, before Aunti Vi pulled the paper off,
She said to Mum, ‘It will match that new coat of mine.’
As for Mum and Dad, they just sat there and said,
'We’ve given each other a joint present this year
It’s a digital clock radio for our bedroom.’
Do you know, they didn’t even bother to wrap it up and put it under the tree!
At the end, when everything had been given out,
Mum said, ‘We mustn’t forget the gift-vouchers from Debbie and Jim.
We sent them a cheque for the same amount.
We always do.’
I call that a bit unimaginative, don’t you?
Maybe, when you come to think about it,
Grown-ups need Father Christmas far more than children do.


25 comments:

Belle said...

The first poem conveys the meaning of Christmas so well. It is a time of remembering friends and writing to them if they are far away and visiting those who are near. I wish it was Christmas every month! The second poem is very cute! With all the blogs sharing about Christmas, it does get one in a holiday mood. :)

Bethe77 said...

I really enjoyed both poems. But I must say the first is truly beautiful and sets the stage of a perfect Christmas!
Love your Christmas setting on your header as well.
Many blessings

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

Lovely poems Diane! It's good for us to remember the real meaning of Christmas.

SkippyMom said...

I really like the first poem. It certainly speaks to my Christmas card list. I have folks on there that I have known since I was 5 years old. And it is a gift to know they are still here all these years later to send a greeting to. [I do call them throughout the year too, but it s nice to send a special card.]

Thanks This!

Desiree said...

I loved both of these, Diane :) I do so hope you're having a better day, today. Big hug xoxo

Anonymous said...

I loved both poems, Diane.
I love the new look on your blog. I am being bold and having a quick peek at my blogs while at work [bad bad lol] Have a lovely day my friend!
Hugs x

Shelly said...

I enjoyed both of these immensely. The first touches my heart and the second my funnybone.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Thisisme! Thank you for the Christmas poems. I enjoyed them. By means of the pictures and words posted on your blog I have come to know and love you and your family during this past year, including dear doggie Alfred. I wish that I could give each of you a hug and whisper, not say, not shout but whisper in all sincerity, how much you mean to me. In recent days I have neglected to mention your ever changing blog header. It's simply beautiful, and are those snow flurries passing through? Your blog is truly a joy to visit. I hope that you are having one of your better days, dear friend. Have a great weekend, too.

P.S. - In less than a week I am getting a house full of guests from out of state. They will be staying at my home through the holidays. Please understand that they will occupy a great deal of my time and I might not have a chance to read and comment on every one of your posts until my nest is empty once again sometime in early January. God bless!

Southhamsdarling said...

Belle - yes, like you I loved the first poem. It is lovely getting in the Christmas mood by visiting our friends' blogs.

Bethe -thank you for enjoying the poems today, and I'm glad you like the Christmas header. Hope you and your family are keeping well, and that your mouth isn't paining you too much at the moment! Also, your poor ankle. Hopefully that is healing well.

Duncan - thank you! I agree, we must remember the real reason behind Christmas, which some people seem to completely forget! Thank you for visiting me today my friend.

Skippy - It is good to know that people are still there on our Christmas card list. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, I have lost some of my dear friends. I just leave their name in the book. I don't like to just cross them out.

Desiree - I'm pleased that you enjoyed the poems today my friend. I'm definitely feeling a bit easier with taking those tablets. I just wish it would get rid of it and not just cover it up, because I know that it will probably all come back as soon as I have finished the course. I shan't let it spoil Christmas though!

Eva - you bad, bad girl, peeking at work!! Hee Hee!! I'm glad you enjoyed the poems today. Hey! It's Friday - your favourite day of the week. Enjoy your weekend my friend. Hugs.

Shady - lovely words indeed from you today, my friend, and I do so appreciate them. They really warm my heart, and I know that there are a lot of your other bloggy friends out there who feel the same way as I do about you. You always take such care with your comments, quite often making us smile! I quite understand when you say that you will have a houseful of guests very soon. Eeek!! Emma, Eleanor & Sir Alfred will be arriving on the 16th, and my son-in-law on the 22nd, so we are all going to be busy at this special time of the year. You will certainly be in my thoughts over the Christmas period anyway. God bless you too dear Tom. Oh! Yes, they are supposed to be snow flurries!!

LindyLouMac said...

Thanks for sharing these lovely poems.

Southhamsdarling said...

LindyLouMac in Italy - Hi Linda. Thanks for stopping be, and I'm glad you enjoyed the poems today. Are you starting to get in the festive spirit now?! x

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Sweet poems...

My husband would like the second one especially. He LOVES Christmas, and LOVES asking what I would like. -smile- 'Course, we "Olden" folk, tend to get what we need, when we need it. And coming up with a Christmas List is hard.

But I have to write something down. He'd not have any fun, if I didn't. And of course, I get him a couple of things "He's been wanting." too.

His "Wanting To Be Santa Claus" at this time of year, drives me crazy. (I am totally Scottish, in my spending habits!!!) :-) But I suppose, he has the best attitude. :-))))))))))))

Gentle hugs to you, my Dear...

"Christmas is here,
Merry old Christmas.
Gift-bearing,
heart-touching,
Joy-bringing Christmas,
Day of grand memories,
King of the year!"


~~Washington Irving

Chatty Crone said...

I love your new header I meant to tell you that yesterday.

I hope you feel better today.

Love y our poems - the first was my favorite.

sandie

Southhamsdarling said...

"Auntie" - sezzzzzz - I like your little poem that you have given me today! Oh, I love it that your hubby wants to play Father Christmas at this time of the year. Oh yes, he has definitely got the right attitude methinks! I usually give hubby a list. At least then, I know I'm getting what I want!! Sending warmest wishes to you.

Chatty - so glad you like the new header, and that you enjoyed the poems today. I agree, the first one is rather special, isn't it? I am feeling a little easier today my friend. It must be all the prayers coming my way! Enjoy your weekend.

Katherines Corner said...

I enjoyed reading both poems, lovely Happy Christmas my sweet bloggy friend xo

Southhamsdarling said...

Katherines Corner - lovely to see you here today, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Christmas poems. Hugs.

Sush said...

Diane...loved your poems today...the second one reminds me of something my daughter said she'd heard on the radio. 'When you quit believing in Santa Claus you get underwear'. I do Believe in Santa I DO believe in Santa!'
Sending prayers and hugs to you today dear friend...you always do soldier on~

Southhamsdarling said...

Sush - Hi my friend. Glad you enjoyed the poems today, and I'm with you on this one - "I believe in Santa, I believe in Santa!!" Hee Hee! Hope all is well with you and hubby. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

nice post friend...thank you for sharing...wish i could visit everyone more frecuently but are many..and the hours are different but prayers and blessings on your way..remembering the real reason for the holidays..days of peace love and thinking...loves from our home to yours...maranatha..

Sally Wessely said...

Very nice. I love loved them.

Linda O'Connell said...

loved these poems. Would you please do me a favor and leave a comment on my blog this weekend? thank you http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com

Facing50.Blog said...

I am in complete awe of your header and somewhat deep green with envy. Your poems are just wonderful and your posts touch me deeply.
You share so much of your life with us and post such genuinely kind and empathetic messages.
I am truly sorry to hear of your recent health problem and wish I could advise you of what to do or help in some way.
I can only add my message of support, prayers and fondness to you.
I hope Christmas brings you the joy you deserve with those wonderful family members.I for one, (and Hubby for another)will be thinking of you over the festive season.
XX

Southhamsdarling said...

facing50withhumour - Carol, my leetle friend. What can I say?! What a truly lovely comment you have left for me today. I am honestly really touched by it. Likewise, I shall be thinking of you and hubby at Christmas time. It's lovely the friendships we have made through our blogs, isn't it, and thank you so much for your kind comment about my blog. Eeeek!! Big hugs to you.

Linda - glad you liked the poems, and I am heading over your way right now!

Jennifer said...

Thank you for sharing these! Both poems are lovely. The second one is really cute. Hopefully reading this will help me get into the Christmas spirit a bit more. Our house is decorated but I would like a light dusting of snow. Not likely here, though.

I just found your blog page on fb and I'm so happy I did! Sometimes I forget to jump over here after I log on and it's much easier if I can read it there since I always go there first to connect with my family and friends back home. Love to see what my peeps are doing! I wish everyone would link their blogs up there.


Have a great Sunday, This!
God Bless! :)

Suzanne said...

Your poems are really nice, and true too. I love the part about the socks! Our grandparents were very poor, and would almost always give us socks for Christmas. We always knew they would, but, you know, Thisisme...we always liked the socks they gave us and wore them out! And there was always a candy cane for us too. We would always get their tree and decorate it for them. They didn't have many ornaments or lights, but we had fun doing it, and Grandma would always giggle and hug us. That's the best, and I'm so glad you brought it back to me. I know I'm lagging at the end of your post again! Happy day my friend, and a Merry Christmas! Talk to you soon-hope you're doing better.