That's Just Tradition

I hang up my stockings, I string up the lights.
I bedazzle the tree, so merry and bright.
I sprinkle nutmeg on my eggnog and sing of holly and snow.
I compose a careful list and hang mistletoe.
Oh how jolly this Christmas will be, same as the last, for that’s how it should be.
I sit by a warm fire, laughter in my ears.
I tell stories of past Christmases for my family to hear.
I play gift-giving games: Secret Santa and Yankee Swap.
Oh how merry we are on this Christmas Eve, same as last year, just as it should be.
I curl up in bed, my eyes open wide,
awaiting the jingle of sleigh bells outside.
I think of my cookies, my milk, and my letter.
I think of the new Barbie and how much I hope that I get her.
My eyes slowly drift shut, sugar plums in my mind.
I know next Christmas will be just as fine.
But now I’m not sure how this Christmas will be.
Sure, I suppose the tree will be nice, and I guess I feel merry.
Now five years later, sure, I like Christmas a lot.
But the magic has faded from when I was a tot.
I hang my stockings half-heartedly and light up the house.
I decorate the tree, but my flame for the holiday has been doused.

Sure, I like Christmas, yes of course I do.
But it's been the same for so long that I’m just sitting it through.
I quietly watch the fire and my eyes give a roll.
But they stop on my brother who’s usually a troll.
His eyes are alight with merriment and cheer,
and I remember that this is just his sixth year.
And my face starts to smile and laugh along with glee.
The magic for him is just as special for me.
So tradition may tire with each Christmastime.
But try to remember your earlier years, because I sure did love mine.
And the little ones are still bright and jolly and merry,
so think of them next time you groan at the snow – for them it’s as amazing as spotting a fairy.
That’s why tradition is important, it keeps magic alive.
So for Thanksgiving and Hanukkah too, for tradition I strive.