Toasting a marshmallow over
a fire. Hot chocolate.
A candle and Christmas caroling
on a rainy night. Shaking presents.
Sword fighting with paper rolls.
Bumping in the attic maybe the
roof. Kissing angels and mistletoe.
A live tree. Homemade ornaments.
A wreath with a felt
red bow on the door. TV shows
and a snowy forecast. Church
at midnight. Poinsettias.

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Danny P. Barbare is a YMCA custodian who has written poetry for 28 years, and lived his entire life in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.