Let all people feel the glow of kindness as trucks to Central America bring needed supplies as postal workers ship parcels to servicepeople abroad and as we plan the perfect gift for all when in our hearts we know it is our presence together that really matters.

Krista Hanson, Saint Paul, MN

A Bit of a Toast (Or After One)
Well that's absurd
Let's eat dead bird

Eric Amundsen, Rochester, MN

We toast the Cristmas Eve turkey by verbalizing one thing to be thankful for no one repeats a previously stated blessing and our matriarch keeps a record. Last year's list was: Family, Children, Love, Friendship, Parents, Grandparents, Snow, Togetherness, Angels, Hope, Charity, Compassion, Wisdom, Faith, Kindness, Peace, Understanding, Generosity, Smiles.

Jennifer Chamberlain, Rochester, MN

Children's Special Christmas Gifts
The pleasure of playing with the box - and the toy.
The innocence of believing in Santa Claus.
The joy of anticipating his visit.
The delight of seeing the Christmas lights.
The wonder of hearing the Christmas story for the first time.

Kathy Olson, Thief River Falls, MN

I wish you fire to warm your feet and a cat to drape about your neck. I wish you laughter to melt the chill a good mate and a rosy cheek to peck. But most I wish you God's good peace so December 26th you're not a wreck.

Clint Kelly, Everett, WA

Schöne Freude
Two hundred twenty-eight years ago, in a small town called Bonn, the world received one of it's most valued gifts, Ludwig van Beethoven. On this beloved day, the 16th of December, we celebrate his birth and give thanks for all he has given us. I feel the pain, the sadness, the sorrow. But I too feel the inspiration. I feel the music... Beautiful Joy.

Ryan Hayle, St. Louis Park, MN

Old north wind wiser than I
Blow me blow me home
Dear west wind kinder than I
Show me sweet compasion
Good east wind stronger than I
Give me courage for every day
And warm south wind
Make this a joyous holiday

Carolyn Zelikow, Keswick, VA

May your spirit dance round your heart's fire.
May you dance with winter scarecrow
Long seasons on lonely post
Who yearns to come home
To be held.
Straw fragrant with fields and frankincense
Mother's bread and Mary's milk. Dance on
To the melody of light.

Jack Kettles, St. Paul, MN

Christmas Cheer
Oh woe be gone
Tis Christmastime
The yule log's all ablaze.
You cannot stay.
Woe go away.
These blues are just a phase.
At other times throughout the year
Your presence is a crime.
With Christmas here
I'll make it clear
Woe be gone
Tis Christmastime.

Darlu Nall, Frisco City, AL

My Babies,
May the Good Lord bring glad tydings
To this Christmas and Year New
May His finest Angels court you
Off'ring blessings not a few.
May He watch o'er and protect you
With a constant vigilance
May your loved ones know
His gracious and His glorious omnipotence.
Love, Mommy

Susan L. Wemett, Rochester, NY

I wish Good Tidings to all the people on earth. There's TV and we can use that to see the bad. There's no need to point out the bad on earth now. You only need to see the history on TV. So I wish good tidings to all it's possible.

Richard Johnson, St. Cloud, MN

wayward concept of Christmas tide co-opted by foul merchandise leaves deep feelings of shallowness of giving more but caring less wait listen the currency of hearts implore to leave the mall and leave the store in this season let us explore giving less while caring more

Brendon Etter, Northfield, MN

A Holiday Haiku from Boston U
Christmas at college
The stress of final exams
Thanks Professor Scrooge

Brian Sirman, Westminster, MD