It’s Not About Dollars and Cents
We recently went to a Christmas Parade in a small town not too far from us, and it was such a joyful experience. Everyone happily sipping hot chocolate, lots of laughter, both adults and children smiling and obviously enjoying the spirit of the season.
Then we went to buy cat food at a large department store in another larger town nearby and I was struck by the difference in the vibes. Lots of people rushing around, filled shopping carts being pushed around by some pretty grumpy looking people.
I noticed that there were so many more people smiling at the parade than in the store, and that inspired this poem.
It’s Not About Dollars and Cents
There are too many people not smiling
in this season of joy and of peace.
Some are just too busy buying
to feel what a true Christmas means.
It’s not about boxes and gift bags,
or surfing the hustle and bustle.
It’s not about wrapping and gift tags,
or bruising that credit card muscle.
It’s not about breaking the purse strings,
or attending expensive events.
It’s not about new techie cool things.
It’s not about dollars and cents.
It`s all about good will and friendship,
about family and loved ones so dear.
It`s all about kindness and kinship,
and being a soul of good cheer.
We all have our trials and our troubles
that leave us with grief and with pain.
We all have our daily life struggles
that cause us to stress and to strain.
But life is about all the side trips
on this magical journey we`re taking,
and we`re all on this journey together…
with each wonderful life of our making.
So when next you encounter a stranger,
or a friend who is lost in their stressing.
Please send them a smile from the manger
to remind them each day is a blessing.
Your spirit is free to be caring,
and it doesn`t cost dollars and cents.
This season is all about sharing…
your presence and not just presents.
So give out the gifts within reason
and remember this one thing I’m sure of…
that kindness is always in season
and the true meaning of Christmas is love.
by T. M. Lehtinen (that’s me)
“It`s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”
This holiday season will be gone in the wink of an eye,
so I’m slowing it down by enjoying every single moment…
(no stress or Christmas craziness allowed.)
I hope you are too.
XOX
This is beautiful and so in touch with what's going on in the world today! Bravo! Your gift of poetry has always amazed me!
Very beautiful and heart touching post.
Thank you so much Linda!
Tula, that's amazing, and even more so that you wrote it! You're very talented!
Just beautiful, and a fine remembrance!
You are such a GREAT writer Tuula! I loved every word! You should write MORE often!
Wonderful words from a wonderful lady!! They ring so true. Thanks Tuula!
Oh I love it Tuula! Totally copying and saving that! You are one seriously talented lady, in more ways than one!
So very true and words we all need to remember during this busy time of the year!
I love the poem Tuula! I have not heard it before. I am enjoying the holidays immensely! Nice to have decorating done and just having fun. I will have a baking day with my girls and grands on the 21st. Always a fun time. Have a very Merry Christmas!
hugs,
Jann
p.s. Love those sleeping kitties!
Great message and oh so true! I would love to have you link up at our Creating Christmas party!
http://mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com/2014/12/creating-christmas-have-yourself.html
Blessings, Cecilia
Great poem and visual! 🙂 Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much Jeanne! Merry Christmas to you too!
How did you cap those cats? I love the sentiment behind the poem, but I still tend to get a bit crazy at this time of year. Thanks for sharing at Make It Monday.
Too true! Love it! Thank you for linking with HSH! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Sherry