Ever since we were little br Christmas meant holidays br Huddled with mom and dad br Decorating the crib and tree, br Special dishes, whose heavenly aroma br Meant the special season was here br br After father passed away br A few years ago, Christmas changed br We did what was possible br It was quieter, but still joyful br Huddled with mother br And my children br br This year, mothers’ absence, was a first br Christmas felt empty br Yes the decorations were in place br So were the crib and tree br But the joy that marks this special time br Felt as fake as can be! br br In its place, was pretension br A new house, gleaming this and that br Guests who came to ooh and aah! br At this shell of pride br Fond memories fleeing with br The joy of Christmas.