Sung to Deck the Halls
Do you know the blessed reason
Fa la la la la la la la la
For the holy Christmas season
Fa la la la la la la la la
Spending cash and lots of credit
Fa la la la la la la la la
It s no wonder we forget it
Fa la la la la la la la la

Ramona Reeves, Deming, WA

All are agog with the glee of the season
awash in the year-end's cheer
yet there are those who stand
harsh and well clear
in sadness and drear
of even the chance of anyone held dear.
Those then so warmed and aglow
please embrace those unblessed with any firm bonds.

Stuart Klipper, Minneapolis, MN

I must honor those who have come into my life and made me more today then I was a year ago. I'm blessed. I hope they will know and understand my joy. May the New Year be at least as rewarding and more fulfilling than it has ever been before.

Norris McElrath, Braham, MN

Good Tidings Good Year. May the coming New Year bring the words Faith, Virtue, Respect back in fashion for everyone everywhere. Geography back in school so kids know where everywhere is.

Sharon JamesAbba, St Paul, MN

May the glow of the menorah provide light to guide you in the darkness of winter warmth against the cold and comfort in the thought that you are not alone. Happy Hanukah my friends.

Tamara Rubin, New Hope, MN

Here's to genetics,
which bring us to this table,
and here's to the love
that keeps us here.

N. M. Kelby, St. Paul, MN

The Mall, The Merrier
It's that time of year.
You know what I mean.
When carolers sing about
Tannenbaums green.

When powdery snow flakes
Come out of a can.
And folks send your fruitcakes,
Cheese logs, marzipan.

You go to the mall
In the holiday spirit,
With joy in your heart
And a credit card near it.

You stroll down the walkways,
Admiring the scenery,
Sniffing the pine-scented
Plasticized greenery.

Enjoying displays that
The stores like to sponsor.
To celebrate Chaunkah,
Chrismas & Kwaanza.

The music this month
Is especially spir'tual.
Stop and slow down and then
Just as you hear it, you'll

Know right away why
They honor the Lord
With dogs barking "Jingle Bells"
In in a C chord.

A glittery object
Is blinding your sight.
It's just Dennis Rodman
Who's there on your right.

The lines to see Santa
Seem shorter this season.
I wondered at this and
Then fathomed the reason.

The kids not in line,
On advice of their mom,
Had sent out their toy list
To Santa.com.*

Though cynics may say that
It's all too commercial.
I try to steer clear of
Debates controversial.

My livelihood thrives
'Midst the greetings and curses.
There's no better time
To steal wallets & purses.

*(pronounced Santa dot com)

Sheila R. Schultz, St. Louis, MO

It is the time of year to put eleven months of hardships behind us. Reconcile with those who have caused us pain and sorrow make peace with those we have hurt. It is the time of year to cherish friends and love our families. May peace be bestowed upon all.

Zachary Peterson, Marshall, MN