This time of year
emotions take us up a gear
feelings start to show
and memories intrude from times ago
childhood tricks played on dad
recalled once more…
- masks worn behind the door
- broken nutshells in slippers by the open fire

Gathered around the family table
starchy linen unfolded
we tuck in to chestnut stuffing
and jelly, trifle sponge, mince pies
Pull crackers, crack jokes and nuts
play games, with all the folks
When girls in silly party frocks,
and cowboy kits were all the rage
those were the days...

When Santa was not so much fun
We’d dance to the number one
And just before it’s time to go
Kiss under the mistletoe
There was the punch to try
Get drunk, get high
Stay up all night
Act tough, chill out
That’s what life was all about
play hard to get
We’d still get through
Would they never end?
those were the days, my friend...

What moves us now
and brings us joy?
The choir, singing in the snow
The child at play, with their new toy
The tinsel on the tree, gifts, chosen carefully
Try on new things,
a cardigan, just like old Bing’s!
Blue crystal bath salts and red ribbons
candles, cakes, and sweet sherry
a murder mystery on TV
charades and Trivial Pursuit?
Chocolates and yet more nuts?
It is up to bed to sleep it off
Phew it’s over for another year…
those were the days, too well, I fear...