Dreams curled and caressed the chimney like smoke
as all the joys from the past year collected in the eaves.
The promise of snow hung heavy in the air
we all knew that tomorrow morn it would be here.
The tree was set in its stand in the living room.
The ornaments brought from the attic to adorn
every branch after the lights were woven in an out.
We had no doubt that Santa would soon be about.
The glass balls from my mother were hung high and low.
The ones from our first year of marriage brought kisses
as we remembered that Christmas, years ago.
The tin soldier your mother gave us when our son was born
was put in the front to remind us how proud we are of him.
Then came the chains of beads some new, some old.
I can remember telling our son that they grew
with each present given in love. He laughed
asked how big would the tree be when he was
thirty years old, because all the love would make them
a hundred miles long.
I could hear the stereo
playing Christmas carols soft and low. Then we took out
the icicles, glass blown, and found the ends of branches
for them to swing on. Finally, as the sun settled down and
the room lights came on soft and dim, we were ready to light
up the tree. I let my son turn them on as we had agreed.
Bright are the reflections on all the Christmas balls, but not
as bright as my son’s smile when he told me of the great job
we had done. How proud Santa would be when he came
and saw all the wonderful colors we had hung.
I shooed him to bed Told him to sleep well.
Tomorrow he could see what the Christmas elf
gave him for making his parents happy.
Once in bed, we quickly filled the vacancy under the tree
slipped presents for each other, we hoped the other didn’t see,
in amongst our child’s gifts. Surprises are great when love is
the reason for them to be. It is the season of blessings
remembering a year’s worth of thanks. A time to relax
let all of love’s warmth enter my heart in one big blast.
As I turn to go to bed for the night, I say a prayer
in this very special light: Lord of my fathers,
Lord of mystery and great gifts, teach us to live together
treat each other better and love like it is Christmas all year.
11:24 PM
12/11/06
Alexandria, VA
Author notes
For all my friends, anyone who reads my poems, to anyone who loves and laughs and wants a better world.
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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I miss such christmas days with genuine family. You are fortunate.
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I am the oldest of six, but it was not till I became a father at forty-five that I learned that Christmas is truly about the child.
Peace & Light,
Tom B.
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Superb Plus +
'tis a very fine write, indeed. Perhaps, the more we visualize it; and take better care of our own little corner of the world, it may yet happen. Very well written, as usual, my friend. Thanks for sharing. -
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Joy grows as it joins with the joy that flows through others. Love becomes real as it is shared. We should never stop. When we do we are letting the negative things in this world win. Courtesy, respect, honoring the dignity of others always makes the world a little nicer than it was. Love, Tom B.
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Aye, 'tis quite true!
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hello my dear friend this write brought both a smile and a lump to the throat, a delicious read , full of christmas family flavour. i knew if i came to your page first you would not fail to fill me with happiness and i thank you
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Glad to hear from you. Thanks for seeing me as someone with a gift of smiles.
Hope all is well.
Love, Tom B.
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soft
i think this poem sounds really soft it is nice to make other people happy thanks for reading my poem too
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Soft is an excellent description. I hope like snow flakes landing upon cheek with the heat of kisses of thank you. Christmas has always been for me more about creating smiles than anything else.
Peace & Light,
Tom B.
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wow i am so glad i read this
This is so moving touches the heart of any parent, and gives us pause for thought wouldn't it be great if we could keep the spirit of the season in our hearts all year, thankyou so much tom you have warmed my heart today
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The strongest lessons come from sharing experience. Learning how to live and keep the season's alive in the soul are the most difficult. I take my chances as I see them. The rest of the time I cross my fingers and pray.
Love, Tom B.
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Brought back some wonderful childhood christmas memories for me with the family round the tree. Tin soldiers were in abundance when I was young though even if they did have lead in the paint. Christmas is a fantastic time of year when love flows everywhere but it should be like that all year round. Think this poem does the trick to remind us.
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Love should flow year around. We can be so brilliant and precise in our negatives. Perhaps we would be better served to be so excellent in the giving of positives. Make noise with our strengths instead of giving into our fears. I am glad you feel this poem helps in the right direction.
Love, Tom B.
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Even thoughtI am reviewing this poem on March 11th I enjoyed what I read here Tom! Your love of the Chrismtas season come through. Nice work!
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Just my attempt to paint a picture of what Christmas is to me. Glad you enjoyed it.
Peace,
Tom B.
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Tomis, this is beautifully done! Full of sentiment, it overflows with warmth, love, and tenderness. All the brilliant imagery is an added treat. One could visualize that gorgeous tree sitting there gleaming. We have no means for Christmas this year, so I thank you from my heart for the "tree" you planted deep within my soul!! Brava!! Love you, dear man. Blessings to you and yours this season, and throughout the coming year!
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The spirit of Christmas is in the sharing. Love only shows up when it is shared and as Christ said, "When two are gathered in my name, there I will be." Let love reign and may every moment following this eve be one full of the discovery of how much is there to be shared with the precious ones close to your heart. Love, Tom B.
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For a very long time I wasn't on your site and this poem was another gift to us from your pen of poetry. Thank you for your wishes. My best wishes to you too..
~Sonja~
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'tis a season to celebrate sharing. May the Light shine in your heart and all those that know you and love you share their joy with you in return.
Merry Christmas,
Tom B.
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lovely
a beautiful poem dear, Merry Christmas to you and yours.....
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In the vastness of Christmas Light may your day be full of Peace and delight. As the presents are passed to one and all may you be blessed in hearing the joy you bring to those that love and cherish you.
Merry Christmas.
Tom B.
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What a truly beautiful and wonderful write this is, my friend!
Awesome imagery and wording!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!!!
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Merry Christmas. Thank you for all the gifts of love that you have touched my heart with in the past year. May you be blessed with the joy in discovering how richly you are loved and cherished by those dear to you.
Love, Tom B.
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AWWW..that was so wonderfully written
That was lovely you captured us right from the start and
pulled us in with the lovely imagery and your warm
kind heart.
YOu could really feel the warmth of your heart in this
poem! merriest of christmas joy to you dear poet!
ears2hearyou
Kathleen : )) wonderful warmth to enjoy! -
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Thank you. May this season of gifts catch all the love and multiply it with joyful sharing. As the Light blossoms in your heart may healing and restoration begin and seeds of love an friendship blossom as never before.
Love, Tom B.
Merry Christmas.
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You have taken the spirit of Christmas and created a place of peace and love with your words.
It was wonderful going down memory lane with you and feeling the love you are filled with for this time of year.
Thank you for sharing this..I wish you and your family
much love and blessings for the holiday season and the New Year.
Love,
Noreen
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Noreen, the gifts of the Light will shine bright in your heart. The love and gifts of those that love you will overflow and leave your eyes glistening with the laughter of tears. As your heart is washed with blessings, I know that you will be healed and stronger for the course of the coming year. Merry Christmas,
Tom B.
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Thank You Thomas!
These words take me on a memorabilia adventure. Your two opening lines whirl in my mind just as the smoke-filled "dreams from the chimney" you've painted with soft strokes of poetic brush.
Your second stanza causes me to pause in reflection. The entire poem is warm, and embraces the true meaning of the Season. I didn't have much money this year to buy gilts as I wished. What I rediscovered were artifacts already in my possession with heartfelt memories attached that are worth far more than anything I could have purchased. The wonder that makes this Christmas a bit more exciting than the last is home, kinships, to sit and sup with those I love, and the fact, as your author note expresses;
"...anyone who loves and laughs and wants a better world".
I am one of those, as are you, and countless others we embrace daily on this site. I wish you the very best in this comp my brother/angel/friend.
† In All that is Good, there is God. †
Many Blessing, Love & Light to You, Thomas, Sue & Graham ♥
Renee
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Enjoyed the in depth review. I always figured the gift part of Christmas was for the screams and dreams of glee from the children. I once did up a note from Santa for Graham and he carried around to my in laws and used it as proof that Santa exisited. Made my day.
I cherish any and every day where we take the time to celebrate the gift we are too each other. All that really matters to me. This one has not been a feast of material gilt but it will still be a feast of riches if I can share all my love with the people who are important to me.
Love, Tom B.
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Oh my goodness..tears..thank you for sharing...smiles...
Im so happy, thank you so much for this amazing entry...
Peace and many blessings
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This is another one that just came out of nowhere and captured so much of the season for me. Glad that it touched you. Your friend
always, Tom B.
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Such a touching rendition of Christmas Eve. You remind us all that where there is love, "love begets love." I remember those Eve's when my children were young. Such anticipation, and althooough my husband was immune to love, The joy inmy children wasenough. Then off to Grandma's we went, to open presents, sing noels while she played the piano, and laugh. Dead now for 20 years, , and children in different cities, I'm so happy I had those fond memories you just reminded me of!
I'm adding you to my fav's!
Love from an old friend!
The Healer
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Thanks. I wanted to catch how much the season is about the children. It lets our heart sing and reminds me of why I do all that I do all year long. Thanks again.
Love, Tom B.
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This is the first one I've read this year that really gets me into the spirit of Christmas!! I loved the part when the kids went to bed the and presents were placed under the tree, hoping the others didn't see!!!
GBY
SilverButterfly
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Perhaps Christmas is no more than a celebration of our altruism and faith in each other. I think it is far more than that. It reaches into our goodness as human spirits and connects us to the River of Love that God allows to flow all around us.
Glad you enjoyed this. I am touched and honored that it moved you into the Christmas spirit.
Love, Tom B.
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you captured the spirit of Christmas in this warm write that speaks volumes of the times we share in peace and love with our nearest. All the details are there, the colours, the decorations, and the love. And isn't it a shame that we can't do the same for each other, every day?
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I am touched that you enjoy it so. It was written to just capture the joy I find in Christmas and the hope I leave each season with.
Love, Tom B.
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Though some of the rhyming was a bit forced... overall I found this to be a warm and touching piece! The imagery was very beautiful. I am so happy that people really seem to be getting in the Christmas spirit on this site and this was a fabulous example of that joy! Wonderful job! Keep up the good work and Merry Christmas.
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Glad you enjoyed the joy. We all have our spirits lifted by a season of love and giving.
Love, Tom B.
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Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday ever and I believe your poem captures almost every shiny, little, red & green piece of it. Just make sure your son doesn't even catch you putting the presents out. I remember being rather confused after waking up and finding my father wearing a Santa hat in the livingroom. It just didn't make sense to me somehow. I especially love your last stanza and I will be saying the same prayer myself. Great write and I look forward to reading more of your work.
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He's twelve now. Christmas has lost none of its shine. He will tell you that Santa is part of the spirit of Christmas. He flip flops from being a pure sentimentalist to being very pragmatic. In his heart of hearts he is a good young man.
Thanks for all of your kind words. May your holiday season be one that enriches your soul and lets your heart be filled with a river of joy.
Love, Tom B.
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beautiful and well written .....awesome!!!! thanks for sharing
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed my vision of the Christmas spirit.
May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
Love, Tom B.
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Absolutely beautiful and written
touching all the spirit of christmas placing it tenderly
in our hearts! excellent job dear poet, there were
stanza's in this poem that we could all take a piece from
and really relate to and enjoy!! I hope you feature
this all through the month to remind us the spirit of
christmas is MORE than shopping malls!
Thankyou, thankyou for writing such a thoughtful and
inspiration poem!
ears2hearyou
Kathleen : ))
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This is a really kind celebration of my simple attempt to share my vision of the Christmas spirit. I will try to feature it more as I can afford. Thanks.
May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
Love, Tom B.
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Very nice piece. Much details in this piece, it was very well thought out. I cannot point anything out that is bad because it is all good
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Your joy in this is a gift. Thanks for taking the time to share your pleasure in my simple work. May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
Love, Tom B.
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This is really a classy piece of writing.Details were well placed.I could picture every scene and everything that they were doing.Makes me think of Christmas's gone past and how wonderful and magic that they can be.Thanks for the great poem I really enjoyed it.
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Thanks for enjoying this so much. I wrote this to share my sense of the Christmas Spirit. I suceeded beyond my dreams. May your holiday season be filled with riches for the spirit and may joy flow through your heart.
Love, Tom B.
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Beautifully scribed, you captured the heart of christmas, thanks for sharing some beautiful memories,
as I wish you and yours, another Christmas filled with love, peace, joy, and most of all hope, for a wonderful year and many more to come.
With Blessings,
Sassy
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Thanks. May yours be a feast for the spirit and a river of joy flowing through your heart. It is nice to know this touched your heart.
Love Tom B.
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This is excelent.
This is what Christmas is about. The joy of childhood and the blessing of family and the worship of Christ. You have incorporated it all in your poem. Every word brings memories to hold and memories to renew, times gone by and times to come. Your title couldn't be more appropriate for this. This is so well written that a person can feel the spirit of the season in every line of this. I enjoyed reading this very much.
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Thanks, I would like to think so. I wrote this in an attempt to share my vision of the Christmas spirit. Far more important to me than the rest of Christmas to me. Glad you enjoyed. May your holiday be rich for the spirit and full of the joy of the heart.
Love, Tom B.
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I still have two of these left
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Beautiful
This poem of yours Tom, made me step back and remind myself that my kids are growing up!For how long will we be entertained with the amazing things young children say? Your imagery is impeccable. You really brought this whole scene to live. Wonderful writing, my friend. ~ Love, Me
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This is a friendship built over time
I am so glad to know you read this, Enjoyed the effort on my part to impart a little of what I feel is the holiday heart with all my loved ones on this site. Glad to know it touched you and made your day a little better. Couldn't ask for more. God speed and God bless. Love, Tom B.
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Brilliant
I love this, it's incredible! This flowed so wonderfully, and it just puts the "Merry" in "Merry Christmas". I love it, very well done for this Christmas Season.
Merry Christmas to you!
Take Care,
Jasmine
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May you unwrap your dreams with joy!
Thanks for delighting so much in my holiday poem. I just wanted a way to share with everyone my thankfulness for them being in my life. Love, Tom B.
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For I am your friend, one who reads your poems, one who loves you and laughs with you and wants a better world, for you and for all.....
May you and your loved ones have a beautiful Christmas season, and may the New Year bring you Health, Joy and Prosperity.....
God bless you always my dear sweet Tomisb, to me you are and forever will be the truest and most precious friend.
Thank you for YOU.....
Love always your friend,
AngelicMistress(tcg)
*HUG*
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Nicely penned Bubba ~
This says it all tomis ~
>>> Lord of my fathers,
Lord of mystery and great gifts, teach us to live together
treat each other better and love like it is Christmas all year.
Oh how I wish this were true ~
A wonderful message to anyone who needs to smile, yet a message for those who need to understand ~
Good job on this write ~
Bear ~
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Just my Christmas Gift
Thanks for the comment and you got it through and through. It would be a better world if we could share from our similarities to celebrate our differences. Love, Tom B.
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very nice..i'm warm and cozy...eggnog in hand...sitting in the glow of Christmas, thanks to you -
touching, and heartfelt..
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I propose a toast
As we clink our egg nog and feel the fire, I have this toast to share. "May all those who know that love is only real when it is shared celebrate this time of the year and have their hearts rewarded. Love, Tom B.
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breathtaking
This piece is so beautiful! Its meaning and imagery combine to grab the heart and take us back to the innocent days of childhood. Seriously, though I am still I child, I no longer hold the innocence of the younger children who hold christmas as a time of love and happiness. I don't look forward to presents and am usual cynical during the holiday, for I think that it has been blown up to only include commercialism and the real, biblical meaning isn't taken properly anymore. I loved this piece though, for you based it on love and I loved the christmas tree's growing each year based on love...but that would be a humongous tree for a thirty-year old son. Good job and keep up the great writing! May your holiday season be blessed!*santa*
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Celebrate from the heart
I am a Quaker and we used to not celebrate it because the Catholic church changed Christ's birthday to coincide with the Saturnalia which was a major festival at mid-winter to insure the return of spring and summer. Let the good times roll.
This was written for the joy and if it brought you joy, it need not do more. Love, Tom B.
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a small note though - the bright green highlighting was rather distracting
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Joy is the heart of love
This is all that it is about. I used Christmas to spread it. Red and Green are Christmas colors. You will always be on my Christmas list no matter what you are celebrating. Love, Tom B.
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We dont really celebrate christmas in India - but I can definetly appreciate the festive spirit in here you captured all the warmth and beginnings of this holiday and that in itself is always a pleasure to read
Happy holidays my Tom
may your days be full of joy
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Its the perfect way to say Merry Christmas I think. I wanted to write a poem somewhat like this but its so hard to find time to come on here anymore between school and work. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you in so long and I hope you're doing ok
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What matters
Is that it spoke to you. May your Christmas be bright and your dreams whole. This too shall pass and you will come to be on line again. I am in no rush. Enjoy this moment in all its richness. \
Love, Tom B.
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I'm glad that you have such happy memories. Thanks for sharing.
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Open the last package
Hold your heart in hands of joy and promise the year gone by a place in memories. Then take the gift of all that you are and become your promise and gather those around you who belive in you.
Pick the flowers and smell their scents and reap the riches of the forth coming year. Love, Tom B.
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i like this alot. It says what we all should already knowand what everyone should feel about christmas. So many times have i heard people be so greedy it makes me sick but this is a perfect way to bring everyone back in touch with what it is really all about. Thank you for sharing this with me. Merry Christmas to you and yours dear friend .
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Love shows up when sharing
This is the best season to get in practice. We can be children and make it all about "me" but why. Instead, let us be adults and make it all about each other and a chance for a better world.
Love, Tom B.
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This was a great look into your family christmas
such memories wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
WArm thoughts
Frozentearz -
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Hot toddies and full stockings
May the year be graceful in its entrance and enchanting as it ends.
Love, Tom B.
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wow! you lvie close to me and this is really good!!! i lvoed it its a story with a prayer that actually rhymed!! i thought that was so cool!! i liked this alot! keep it up it was great! ~kelc
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I am glad you think so
Spend this season spreading joy and voice the carols as you give share Christmas with boys and girls. The wind shall spin and cold will come but when it does you can have winter fun. Enjoyed your share and thoughtful coments. Love, Tom B.
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Ho ho ho! I felt like you brought me into the house...A poem you should print out as a Christmas card and send to the ones you love and care for...
Love, Lane -
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My Hallmark moment at last
There was a time when I would have been cut to the core but I think you have called the perfect score and yes you are right. I was thinking already of doing exactly that. Send me your address and I will put you on my Christmas list and send you a homemade card with the poem attache. Love, Tom B.
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Tom,a poignant,profound piece of poetry that flowed well and embelished and embroidered imagery and emotion that was heart-felt by the reader.The last few lines drew the piece together like a familial embrace,inviting friends,family and the human race to be thankful,give love and walk in His grace.
I confess to feeling misty eyed upon reading,for myriad reasons,these seasonal greetings.Well done and many blessings to you and your family,love and light,Yvette
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Lovely Lady Ingenue
My little analytical shark, you are exposing your heart. This gives me great delight. It is better than sparking in parked cars. Hope Christmas lives up to all the hype. Good night. Love, Tom B.
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Wonderfully done. thank you for sharing your beautiful words You are as always charming my dearest of friends. I hope that your holidays are filled with all of the splendor that you fill my days with...
With love,
Mel
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Share the sugar plums
We will nestle against the over sized roots of the tree and sip sassafrass tea and comment of the misbehavior of sassy, tipsy, overjoyed fairies. Kick of our shoes and make each other giggle with the sagaciousness of our other worldly views. Tiptoe across the green and goose some gnome before we are seen. just before the storm begins we will wake up with the last traces of magical dust still on our chins. Love Tom B.
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:)
Surprises are great when love is the reason
for them to be.
How very true that is.
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Your praise is a gift from your heart.
I am thankful for being the one that you would shower this upon.
Thank you for taking the time to share with me. Be blessed, be joyous and infect others with the magic of your creations. Love, Tom B.
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Absolutely Beautiful
THank you for this absolutely beautiful tribute to christmas.It allows such fond memories to be formed and cherished.I hope you have a wonderful christmas. Love ya! Jess
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Create Joy!!!
I wish you a very merry, merry, Christmas. May it give yu all the smiles you could wish for. May the Light hold you and guide you.
Love, Tom B.
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Your words of love at Christmas time and all year, are tender and endearing. Thank you for sharing your love.
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Just Making Merry
Joy is the energy of Love. Love is what opens us to one another. Why not share at every opportunity. Love, Tom B.
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Thank you for these festive words, Tom, for opening wide the doors to your heart, for allowing the interior beauty to warm those outdoors. Your light shines magnificently through AP's corridors! Happy Holidays! ♥ Belle
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Can't help the smile, why not share the love!
Thanks for all your kind words and loving thoughts. May this season create many opportunities for love to dance in your heart. Love, Tom B.
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"my Christmas card , as simple as it is" is what you wrote so of course I read it immediately. You have no idea what it meant to listen to those warm words, those memories and the hopes that filled each word. I thank you-------for I just got done writing an e-mail to someone stating how disgruntled I was and that all I wanted was a "simple Christmas filled with love and laughter and cheer". Unfortunately I married into a family where the price tag on the gifts and the fake smiles take priority (excluding hubby and kids)And it is this time of year that I miss most those that I came from--------for they are thousands of miles across that big pond, with the exception of my sister who is in Texas. We spent hours on the phone during the holiday. So thank you my friend, you gave me the gift that I wanted most.....you shared your heart. May you always remain true to yourself and may you and yours be blessed with yet "another memory" for next year.....
much love
xoxoxoxo
reenie *heart*
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Me, Complicated?
Love only shows up when it is shared. May it be shared often and richly among those you love. Your friend, Love, Tom B.
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christmas blessings
this is so very special,the more i read of yours the more i am drawn into the beauty of your words.may you and yours have happiness, health and peace of mind this christmas.may these blessings sent from so far still be strong enough for you to feel
thank you for these wonderfull words that speak of the true meaning of christmas,the power of love.no other christmas card could say so much.THANK YOU
HAPPY CHRISRMAS
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I can always feel the warmth of a loving heart
Thanks for all the love you share. May your heart dance and smiles be frequent while the season is here. When it is gone, may all the love still sing sweet songs to your heart. Love, Tom B.
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Is there also mistletoe?
My little tree as yet is unadorned, but soon it too will carry history on its limbs, the things a mom carries in her heart as part of its art, bits and pieces of life stringing a garland of memories that lives one year to the next, long after the tree is gone. However Christmas had its beginnings, we should always keep legacies of love alive. Thank you for the heartsong, Tom. Merry Christmas to you and yours! Love, Karen
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Kisses?
Given the nature of my sensuality, mistletoe would take me in another direction. But the memories, the good new ones created, love shared with friends, family -- these are the things, I wanted to write about. Thanks for sharing your happiness with me. May you be blessed with the Light strengthening your heart. Love, Tom B.
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What can one say to such a humble and simple gesture?
Much love Tom for making me smile
The red headed princess
x Shari
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< This:
May your season be rich with Love's greatest gifts. May you find joy in the sharing and be blessed in the richenss of those that love you. remember if you ever come to the States that we shall meet for a memorable date. Love, Tom B.
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