I’m standing on a precipice overlooking the world
It seems to me, that it’s a big ball of twine-coming un-twirled.

Folks are working and striving to make their way
Only to be fired or laid off just before Christmas Day.

Children are no longer looking forward to the good things given to us by God
Instead, in their stockings their hoping for cells phones, car keys and an IPod.

Small town ways are soon to be forever lost,
And at the moment, no one cares about the enormity of the cost.

I remember a time, not so long ago when neighbors knew one another,
Now, they come and go so quickly that you miss each other.

In times gone by, an afternoon drive was met by smiles and friendly waves,
Now everyone is too concerned about, work, shopping and raves.

It use to be proper to stop and talk to someone you know, right in the middle of the road,
A two minute conversation now just might get my car towed!

What has happened to the world we’re living in?
Must everyone turn to greed, the most vile sin?

Why can’t we just remember how fortunate we are?
Can’t we all remember that first Christmas Eve, the baby and the star?

Christmas should not be about just what you can get,
Although, I get bitten by the “what do I have” bug, I must admit.

We should just take a step back from our un-twirling, whirling dervish of a world.
Think before we speak and slow down for a minute to try and get this place re-twirled.

I know it’s a difficult task since everyone is always so tired,
And I’m sure it’s politically incorrect to say that we’re all wrongly wired!

But, I’ll say what I say and hope that it doesn’t cause too much of a fray.
I’m not saying that we should pull Santa out of his sleigh.

I like the traditions of Christmas with feasts, songs, toys and frolic,
I like all of those things that are very much symbolic.

Giving gifts and receiving too,
That’s something else that I like to do.

But, the thing that bothers me the most
Is how we’ve all started to boast.

We forget to remember the thoughtfulness of giving,
If the price isn’t right, the criticism is unforgiving!

Many of us have forgotten the true meaning of this glorious season,
And it’s our own faults; we are the source of the reason.

I think it has a lot to do with selfishness and more to do with greed,
I too am guilty of this, that is why I am declaring this as my creed.

So, before you rant and rave and get angry over what I’ve written,
Think about what I’ve said and the position in which you’re sittin’.

I may be just a silly red-neck gal from the sticks-
That likes to have a good time and cut up with the rest of the hicks.

But, when the United States has declared a recession-
We need to move forward with aggression.  

Instead of going out and buying up all those great toys-
Let’s give teachings of Old Time Christmas’ to girls and boys.

Now, don’t be harsh and don’t be cruel.
Just remind your families of the Golden Rule.

Remember this Holiday Season as you settle in with your cup cheer
That not everyone one has had the same kind of year.

Some have had things much harder to bear,
And some have breezed through without a care.

Cling tightly to your family this Yule tide time,
And remember the times when the news wasn’t just about the crime.

Call an old friend that you’ve not spoken too in a while,
And take a deep breath when you’re in that long line, starting to feel hostile.

Remember the good, remember the bad,
Remember all the joys and sorrows that you’ve had.

Remember them good and write them down,
So that when asked, you can recall your small town.  

Give the simple gifts that we all need each day,
Love and friendship-nice words to say.

Don’t just say them in your beautifully foiled Christmas cards
Hand deliver them, save a stamp and put a new spin on ‘in regards’.

Spend your time with the ones you love this year,
Instead of your money that may soon become precious and dear.

A small gift here and there is just fine.
Or a movie with friends and a glass of wine.

The importance here is not what you get but what you give-
Remember that to err is human but it is divine to forgive.

Reach out your hands to one another and take hold of this revolving world-
Let’s all work together to get it re-twirled!

And in turn perhaps you’ll not only give but receive-
If you can help just one to remember the true meaning of Christmas Eve.