"Uncurled Ribbons"

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THEME: Christmas Loss/Remembrance/Family Tradition

Uncurled Ribbons
by Frank Elkins ©2015

This first Christmas without you arrives not quite as wondrous – 
Without your cooking, and baking, and all the other holiday fuss. 
The lights on the tree shine a little less lustrous,
than the magic of the Seasons you so generously once offered us.

Truly a Traditionalist you refused to relent 
on the money, time, or love that you spent:
Decorations that must be hung,
Christmas Carols that must be sung.
Holiday movies that had to be viewed,
family traditions to again be renewed.

Unique gifts carefully selected
to go far beyond what the receiver expected. 
Every treasure perfectly wrapped and trimmed –
Every ribbon perfectly cut and curled,
magically enhancing the holiday mystery
surrounding the dreams of each boy and girl.