The Christmastime Dream 2005
Day 1
Down a snowy trail the children did play, enjoying the season the proper way…
Parents closely behind them, chasing away.
A new Christmastime dream blossoms in the children’s minds,
thoughts of ribbons and toys,
and many other joys.
Mom and Dad catching the contagious play of the little ones so loved,
Once again becoming the children others held close to their hearts,
being smiled upon by the angels from up above.
White snow covering a house, a never forgotten Yuletide decoration…
Children gaze in wonder of this amazing sight, as those behind remember in delight.
A crystal stream flows below, delivering joy for the snow.
Voices are heard singing of past Christmastime Dreams near the house’s white glow.
Christmastime life, dreams, and cheer …..never dying or forgotten,
sadly celebrated but once a year.
A snowy wonderland wakes a dormant scene, all smiling and smiling once again …
as planned,
The pulsing sound of an excited heart never slowing in this Christmastime land.
Flakes falling swiftly with the journey home from this place,
Eyes gazing at the Christmastime growing, warm cocoa close to one’s face.
On arrival what will be had?
Day 2
Through sleepy eyes it became a magical trip,
dreaming of the arrival of fabled old St. Nick.
Waking lightly to the glow of our home’s flickering lights,
hoping in five days Santa will see this holiday beacon while in flight.
Mom carrying little Sis,
with Me and my Brother shuffling along in a foggy bliss.
Dad dragging our winter fun gear,
silently muttering with a smile, “…. heavier ….. must be older this year.”
With the opening of the door flows a welcoming warmth,
onto our comfortable slumbers we go forth.
Drifting off to a magical land, my new toys appear in every way,
five more days, five more days, five more days wait……
Day 3
As the sun made it’s way through our blinds like a maze,
we awoke from our night’s sleepy haze.
Running out into the white wintery mess,
once outside we discovered … since yesterday it was quite less.
With our smiles turning upside down,
we wondered, “What did we do wrong to make this come ’round?”
What could we do to chase away this case of the blue?
My brother’s eyes beamed …. he had an idea it seemed,
I said to myself, “Sometimes the boy really does have a clue!”
He came flying out with a wonderful answer at best,
A fake pair of reindeer ears, that made the family beast realize there was to be no rest.
Tippy’s eyes enlarged with the sight of the waving reindeer ears,
“Why oh why does this always happen to me on some day, this part of the year?”
With that seemed an endless chase around the old oak,
Tippy’s fear slowly gave in to the joy of us young folk.
With the ears wiggling wildly on top of her head,
she snorted, snickered, and giggled as if saying “What else could be ahead?”
As our family friend lead a days worth of chases,
we found in The Christmastime Dream, snow didn’t even have to be….
to put a smile on our bright holiday faces.
Day 4
For seemingly no reason admist a great leaping,
Tippy adbruptly stopped and sent me spinning and screaming.
Like a great big red top with a siren,
all the neighbors heard, and with big grins started a smilin’.
Falling next to Tippy slightly dazed,
her tail pointing, eyes beaming, and snout sniffing ablaze …. she wasn’t even fazed.
We all looked in dismay,
what made crazy dog stop dead during play?
With a gentle whisp of Mother Nature’s breeze,
we new instantly that great answer …. Mom was baking up much to please.
We tore off in a race,
Tippy of course taking first place.
Running full never thinking to apply her brakes,
sliding to the pillow, the cat she quickly did awake.
Hearing a great screech, we all laughed at the display ,
We all lost thought when we noticed pumpking pie and a cake!
No occasion other than the Christmastime season did she put forth,
such a large batch of treats that gave our tummies such warmth.
Day 5
With our great wide smiles plainly on display,
Mom uttered the words, “Not a bite till you eat everything on your dinner plate.”
We gladly complied with her request at hand,
after dinner we attacked the treats as if we had a well thought out plan.
Standing next to the kitchen door Mom looked on with joy,
taking in the happiness on the faces of every young girl and boy.
Her delight was found in our smiles very late in this day,
all our hearts hoping she will never sway from her compassionate way.
Finishing the daily chores and putting the dishes in place,
I sat next to the fireplace a warm glow on my face.
With our tummies all full and the night coming soon,
our minds locked on one thing, which of course everyone knew …..
Four more days, four more days, four more days wait ….
till that big red man flies through the skies with a great sparkly trace.
Day 6
As our eyes opened up from the morning’s deep sleep,
the sun shown through the icy crystals with the new day’s first waking wink.
Wiping the window free of the icy art,
we saw a new cottony layer of white, and knew the morning had great start.
Our noses perked up as we noticed the smell of the morning’s fixin’s,
eggs, ham, flapjacks ….. already the flavors were mixin’.
Mom looked at us with a smile and let out a little laugh,
She exclaimed brightly, “Welcome to our holiday family breakfast bash.”
With the twist of a knob and the click of a lock,
Dad appeared in his PJ’s to inspect his flock.
His face beaming with life, even though right out of bed,
he announced we would be taking a trip in the family’s four wheeled sled.
Mother’s eyes rolling back ever so slight,
we knew there was concern after twelve inches of snow last night.
While Mom and Dad planned the events for the day,
my brother, sister, and I snuck out with Tippy rushing to play!
Day 7
Early in the morning it was near dark as night,
as we looked up we saw a star shining with all it’s might.
Thinking back to times not so far or near,
I wonder if Dad will try to follow it again this Christmastime year.
Dreaming about a story more that lots years old,
my parents say near this time of celebration it always needs to be told.
In my starry eyed day dreaming I noticed an airborn ball of white,
as if as snowman had fallen and stangely taken flight.
My sister stood laughing while my head still rang with a bell of large size,
my brother looked saddened as if he had lost his only treasured prize.
My brother lost control of the snowman he was building next to his sled,
he seemed to think it was wise to make it taller than his own head!
Sniffling, full of tears, “All I wanted a snowman with a large cheerful belly” …..
“…. Oh my!!”, his eyes widened with fright, “You’ve never been quite THIS smelly!”
It seems a black and white striped friend had been caught when ball of white and I did collide,
scrambling our best, we all ran and tried our best to quickly hide.
When Mom came out to check the commotion she noticed our unhappy friend,
“Get in here children or I’ll strike your names of Santa’s list with my own mighty pen.”
Even as she made her best effort to act and seem mad,
we knew dad’s trip would have to be cancelled … and that didn’t exactly make her sad!
My dad on the chair with a face full of frown,
unhappy that we would not travel to his favorite town.
“A story I want to tell you” said he, “Whew!!!! …. after you get clean!”,
“a tale of grace and compassion in a time when all seemed to be mean.”
Day 8
Not long after Dad told of his story treat …. his nose started twitchin’,
and quickly decide to move the family crisis cleanup camp away from the kitchen.
As I swiftly was moved into the garage,
everyone attacked my winter clothing in a comical barrage.
Everything bagged, double bagged, and very tightly tied,
I was left standing looking as if to start to cry.
When breaking into a run I knocked a great box aside,
wrapped presents from within spilled as it continued to ride.
With great big smile we looked at our parents as Dad said,
“Those presents are for children that may have never seen the great man in red.”
Upon hearing that great statement with our youthful ears,
we realized how great it is to receive gifts for so many of our young years.
I know now the best part of the gift of The Christmastime Dream,
is to help that great big elf make other children’s eyes beam.
As our father turned to our mother, her face full of grace,
“Those gifts are for children on the way to my favorite place.”
Knowing the reason for his trip on which we were to go,
she said, “Tomorrow we may travel …. but please keep the sled driving safely slow!”
“The story I do promise to tell, during our travels on the next day”,
“Now to a tradition … add more joy to the Christmastime tree I do say.”
Day 9
We rushed to the tree and Dad reached under the stand,
and pulled out old fashioned garland strung in a lengthy strand.
He then pulled out a box the looked like it came from another land,
With a smile he said, “These are Christmastime decorations from when I was a young man.”
Although old, fragile, and slightly frayed,
some seemed to glow in a strange angelic way.
Giving these old dusty dreams new life,
they seemed to sparkle like a Dove’s eyes when in flight.
Working through the day we got the towering spruce just right,
the lights shown on it bright as the day became another night.
Our tree did now fill the room with it’s glow,
the Christmas time joy we all need in our heart it did show.
Three more days, three more days, three more days we have to be good ….
giving happiness and joy as Mom says we always should.
Day 10
Waking late in this winter day,
I noticed Dad already loading his four wheel sleigh.
Tippy jumping around an endless ball of fun,
obviously convinced she’s going on this gift giving run.
“Children get ready!”, he yelled, “The car is loaded to the brim!”,
Christmastime always unlocks the excited little kid in him.
We put on our coats and gathered a night’s worth clothes,
My little brother still looking like he showered with the garden hose.
Stepping into the car we looked behind, gifts stacked all nice and neat,
Mom rubbing her hands togethers and telling Dad, “It’s time to turn on the heat”.
And our adventure did start this magical day,
hopefully and angel will guide along this trip all of the way.
Rolling out of the driveway we swore we heard the sound of tiny bells,
Was that the sound of a blessing from St. Nick? On this day only time will tell.
Day 11
Dad are you going to tell us your story?
or are you going to let the drive turn boring?
Dad nodded and started his story about the place we travel to,
a place he says where everything old looks new.
The story was at a time when this country saw great divide,
two side could not decide which way was and neither would lose pride.
After arguing at great length about the greatest issue of the time,
they decided to fight, mostly with boys in their prime.
Families were torn and some fought against one another,
once loving families now hate brought between brothers.
One thing I may say even in war on a certain day,
even hate gives in to the Christastime way.
Soldiers who were told to attack each other,
looked the other way on that day and treated the other like a brother.
The Christmastime Dream came alive even on that cold winter,
keeping hope amongst all that peace in families would no longer be hindered.
After exchanging gifts, sometimes a hug or a handshake,
knowing the morn’ after this Christmastime Day they would fight after they awake.
But Dad, why did families have to fight and hate?
“Children”, he said, “There are many that ask that question even till this day.”
Day 12
Dad slowed for a turn up a road that looked well used ski trail,
“Well”, Moms said, “I hope the chains I bought you for Christmas last year don’t fail.”
As we slowly made our way we saw what looked like a horse and sleigh,
Dad asked the man behind the horse, “Can you tell me where the home is of a family named Davis?”
Well son, I’m the old man of that clan,
just follow my trusty old transport, if you can.
That family doesn’t own car because most of the land was taken away that they farmed,
yet they treat everyone they know as if there family was never financially harmed.
We are here today because of grace in their hearts they give,
even when the Christmastime Dream to them may seem dim.
Right out of the car we were greated with the biggest smile by far,
Dad still grabbing gifts while hanging off the door ajar.
Day 13
Juggling the last gift, it gave Dad quite a bout,
a little Davis came running out.
Staring like he’d never seen presents so bright and shiny.
only three standing next to the pile he looked quite tiny.
As the family Davis came out the check on the ruckus,
as a bright star shown even in the sun up above us.
We strode into the Davis home,
the family dog sitting by the door chewing on his bone.
We stacked them under the Christmas tree,
which next to gifts you could almost not see.
But it show with all it’s beautiful lights,
how anything in The Christmastime Dream can be quite bright.
Even the dog got a new toy,
which he chewed on, family watching, with joy.
Treated to a small family dinner and celebration that day,
my father announced to the next family we will have to be on our way.
Driving away the family Davis stood in line to wave “bye”,
we continued our journey under a beautiful blue sky.
Day 14
Driving along the highway road enjoying the icy snow shiny and looking wet,
we received a call from a friend at home checking on the family pet.
Frantically she quickly explained,
she checked the house and Tippy did not remain.
Children, she said, untie the gift bag and dig down deep,
as we did we found Tippy in the bottom with ear back looking as if to weep.
Her heart wanted to go with us on this trip of giving,
my brother was right earlier when he said the bad sounded as if it was living.
Coming up to the next home we found a road full of snow,
crossing and old bridge we hoped the extra weight would not cause it to bow.
It was a darker house and we recieved no greeting like the other,
Father then told us this was a family with no mother.
Day 15
Unloading the car grabbing toys and bags of food,
we looked at the home, it seemed to have quite a somber mood.
Walking towards the snow covered house,
Tippy walked cautiously as if scared of a little white mouse.
When we knocked on the door,
little moved did we hear, but soon some more.
The door creeked open by a man of thirty looking seventy,
three children near the fire hoping the logs keeping them warm would be plenty.
My dad introduced our family to the quiet crew,
and said hopefully we can make a days happy … at least a few.
On the table sat a half knitted set of mittens to be Christmas presents,
the man told of his wife’s passing and said she’s now finishing the mittens in heaven.
Tippy finally walked into the house, she was hiding on the porch,
she licked the man’s hand and his eyes finally brightened lightly like a half lit torch.
Turning to the children my father handed them each a gift,
“If your Dad gives permission you may open them this few days before if you wish.”
The father knodded and the children ripped the paper to shreds,
and played with their new toys heartily until time to turn in to their beds.
While playing on the father we finally saw a smile,
by his almost permanent face, it hadn’t been there for a while.
My mother cooked a small dinner for father and children over the fire,
and the father said “If I can even afford a cook, I hope you’re for hire!”
With Tippy playing with the family we brightened up the place,
hanging garland and such given a new light to the space.
Looking back on our way to the car,
the old creepy house seemed to hold the biggest smile we have ever seen by far.
Day 16
With the stops done that we had to make,
we drove down the road when Mom spotted a flake.
Thankful that we are over the mountains,
Dad said that Mom will still spout worry like a fountain.
Down the main road going through a few small towns,
all the lights shining bright growing big smile from even the largest frowm.
Remembering the Tippy had stowed aboard from home,
Mom called the Inn on the phone.
They said Tippy would be no problem this time of year,
but they made us promise to put on her reindeer ears!
We arrived at the town beginning o’ night,
Horse drawn carriages on the street with lanterns colorful and bright.
A large town square Christmastime tree plainly in sight,
showing a joyful glow, not just a plain bright light.
Pulling in to the Inn the family was all beat,
dad said “Tomorrow the family is in for a real Christmastime treat.”
Two more days, two more days, two more days wait ….
till our shipment arrives from that flying red sleigh!
Day 17
We awoke the next morn’ to a light snow flurry … nothing hard,
looking out the window it looked just like a Christmastime card.
Not a car in sight,
only horses drawing carriages with all their might.
Real candles in the windows of the homes,
and carolers dressed as if in a Dicken’s story through the streets they roamed.
Kids running around the town square tree fenced border,
Santa sitting in his big chair taking last minute orders.
We all rushed out of bed,
getting dressed, the sleep still working out of our heads.
My brother got Tippy into the Christmastime spirit putting on her reindeer ears,
this time almost looking like smiled, and did not act as if it was one of her big fears.
All the family half asleep we walked out from the Inn,
a carriage was parked out front and with gentleman opening the door for us to get in.
We took a tour of the tiny town,
the men dresses sharp, the women in beautiful Christmas gowns,
Where ever we went no matter how modern the place,
it seemed as olden times took over ever little Christmastime space.
We stopped at a very old restaurant, our family of five,
a nice neighbor with a white beard watched Tippy who looked happy and bright.
The old place we ate was many hundred years old,
we had a traditional meal while carols heard and stories told.
Our stomachs were filled to the brim,
but then and old fashioned Christmas pudding did they bring in.
We gobbled that up filling slightly ill,
with the looks on our faces, Mom told us to stop …. we had our fill.
Browsing the old time stores along the sidewalks with snow drifts,
we picked out for each other some old time stocking stuffer gifts.
We enjoyed the rest of the day,
singing carols and sending an occasional snowball on it’s way.
The activity in the Christmas town,
started to lighten up at the later hours now.
Back to the Inn we packed our great stash of memories and gifts,
and into the car our stow away Tippy we gave a lift.
Tired and sleepy we drifted off fast in the car,
it was the funnest trip we ever had to a land not so far.
One more day, one more day, one more days wait …..
I hope dad hurries back, for tomorrow night is Christmas eve, and we don’t want to be late!
Day 18 – Christmas Eve Part 1
Awaking Christmas Eve Morn with a loud clatter,
Sis said ” That would be Dad putting the toys together that he thought Santa would leave for latter.”
We crept out of out beds slowly opening our bedroom doors ever so slightly,
Dad must have heard as he covered everythting with sheets trying to keep noise down to lightly.
Walking down the stairs we noticed Mom’s cooking smelled very fair,
we tried to keep our excitement down to a point where our parents would not even know it was there.
Slowly we ate breakfast, smile growing on our faces,
Dad said after wrapping presents we would visit one of our favorite family places.
We knew where we were going a place we look forward to every year,
a place kids think of as fondly as a cute teddy bears.
We yelled out “We’re going to Ol’ Walt’s house for Chrismas Eve night”,
it’s a place kids looks forward to without the slightest fright.
The old story my parents say, even to this day …..
is that Santa stops there first for us kids ….. even before Christmas day.
Dad always said it’s because Walt’s rooftop Christmas lights are so joyous and bright,
Santa has to stop there early first to recover before any further flight.
It’s regarded at the North Pole as the best known Christmastime beacon found anywhere by best,
we all know Walt’s electric bill must be bigger than the rest.
It’s well known that the best Christmastime Joy is kept all year in old man Walt’s heart,
and it gives all other Christmastime Dreams a good push for a bright start.
Day 19 – Christmas Eve Part 2
After loading gifts for family and friends into the car,
we started on our way … our favorite holiday trip every year by far.
Riding past all the beautiful Christmastime lights,
Dad drove so fast we almost took flight.
Arriving close to our destinate we all donned our sunglasses,
for the holiday light from Walt’s house would blind us without protective glasses.
My sister, brother and I all ran out and into the house,
my brother running through my Aunt’s legs like a little mouse.
All the cousins already tearing into their presents making a mess of the place,
Old Walt in his easy chair puffing a pipe with a big smile on his face.
My brother got a truck, little Sis a new baby doll,
and myself new skating pads for when I take a fall!
Day 20 – Christmas Eve Part 3
With all the ruckus quieting down,
we knew it was time to leave and quickly we all wore a slight frown.
Old Walt saw the sad look on our faces,
and reminded us we needed to be asleep by midnight or Santa would skip us and go to other places.
Leaving the house and in the picture window,
we watched Walt shutting down his part of The Christmastime Dream as we walked in the snow.
The tree shut off, the train parked in the station,
Walt lit his pipe and sat back for a little end of season relaxation.
Riding home in the car there was only one thought,
no more days wait as tonight our presents should be dropped in a big bundled lot!
Day 21 – Christmas Morning
Christmas morning I don’t even remember Dad carrying us in,
from what y brother said half awake, I was to heavy Dad had to roll me in a plastic bin.
With the sleep finally out of our eyes we all realized it was Christmas morning,
we ran out of our rooms, skiddng on the flooring.
Little brother was first down the steps,
Sis next tightly behind not a skipping a step.
We all hit the tree at almost the same time,
making the tree trimmings almost go flying.
Mom and Dad coming down the steps slowly,
Dad holding the camera, Mom graceful with her Christmas colored robe flowing.
Both with tears in theirs eyes as they watched us little ones rip open gifts,
as if us children having fun was their only Christmastime wish.
As we opened our gift we discovered nothing forgotten from our list this year,
This surely will be a Christmastime Dream we all will hold dear.
Day 22 -Closing:
Santa swung around after his final to drop,
we’re going to stop off at old man Walt’s for the season’s last cocoa and a few ginger drops.
Santa and Walt crashed on the couch resting after a busy and joyous last scene,
enjoying their fresh brews of hot cocoa beans.
This brings this year’s Christmastime Dream to it’s finality,
the family named James wishes that a Christmastime Dream can become your reality.
It’s brought on by collective years memories,
giving kindness, and grace time to make friends of even great enemies.
Myself Phil, little brother Billy, Sis, Mom and Dad ….
till next year ….. when another Christmastime Dream will be had.
Thank you for reading,
Lawrence A Capozzolo – Author
Poem Details:
Settings: Pittsburgh PA (Main), Pennsylvania Mountains (the two family visits while traveling), Old Time Town (Gettysburg, PA), Old Man Walt’s Place (actual home of Walt and Ruby Gregg – I thank them deeply for much inspiration into this poem).
