A Family Christmas

At Christmas time my heart returns
On wings of memory
To home, when I was just a girl
And there with family.

The times were simpler in those days,
And we had modest means,
But in my mind's eye I recall
The happiest of scenes.

The scents of baking in the air
And decorated tree
Were beacons to my brothers, to
My sister, and to me.

The carols that my mother sang
Still echo in my ears.
Her sweet soprano's just as clear,
Though it's been many years.

The Christmas dinner Mom prepared
Was great in every way,
And all those tasty treats she made
I wish I had today.

My father at this season was
The most excited one.
The joyfulness he found in life
Made holidays more fun.

His tender nature made our home
A blessed place to be.
The love he showed to all of us
Made God's love plain to see.

Now Mom and Dad are home in heaven,
And though I don't know when,
I've hopes that all my loved ones will
Have Christmas there with them.