A Soldier’s Christmas
I am the proud daughter of a Marine. My father died about five years ago at the age of 82. He was a proud Marine who instilled in us a respect of the military.
Each year, I receive emails with poems, narratives, etc. that support our military. I don’t often pass these on unless I can verify their authenticity. Today, I received this one today and wanted to pass it on, including the information on the author.
I also wanted to say thanks so all of those who have served in the military – and also their families. My family and I thank you for your sacrifice.
As you listen or read this poem (or both), please thank God for our troops that stand in the gap for us.
A Soldier’s Christmas – Audio (Click to listen)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight;
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood; his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
“What are you doing?” I asked without fear
“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light
Then he sighed and he said, “It’s really all right,
I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night”
“It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ‘Pearl on a day in December,”
Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.”
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue… an American flag.
“I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
Or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To insure for all time that this flag will not fall.”
“So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.”
“But isn’t there something I can do, at the least,
“Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,
For being away from your wife and your son.”
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
“Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone;
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.”
©Copyright December 7, 2000 by Michael Marks
Author’s Note: In loving appreciation of the countless Americans who have, and continue to serve in the Armed Forces and those who gave their life for their country. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We look forward to the day you come home. God bless and keep you always, and God Bless America.
A Soldier’s Christmas was the first in this series of patriotic writings, drafted on Pearl Harbor Day 2000 when in the wake of the 2000 Presidential Election our nation saw the right of US Armed Forces personnel openly questioned and debated. I felt it unconscionable that at the onset of the Christmas season, those serving to defend our nation would hear anything but our love and support. It is our challenge to stand for their rights at home while they stand for our lives and safety overseas. This poem went out and quickly spread around the world in emails, letters, and magazines. I received letters from Marines in Bosnia, soldiers in Okinawa, from a submariner who xeroxed a copy for everyone on his sub. Moms wrote, dads, brothers and sisters. I have saved and cherish every letter and set out to continue writing throughout the year.
Please visit this page for additional information about the author and his other writings for the military.
103 Quick and Easy Christmas Gift Ideas
Long before the internet became as big as it is today, I received this list of Christmas gift ideas from someone. I do not know who the author is, but it’s a great list. While the gifts seem very simple, if given from the heart, they can have real impact.
- M&M’s — “Have a merry and most wonderful Holiday Season!”
- Soup or soup mix — Wishing you a “Souper” Holiday Season!
- Frozen or ready to bake pizza — “Warm up to a wonderful Holiday Season “topped” with Christmas cheer!”
- Apples and Hershey’s Hugs — A teacher can’t live by apples alone … She needs “hugs” too!
- Popcorn balls — Hoping you have a “Ball” this Holiday Season!
- Loaf of bread — For being there when you were “kneaded”, for “rising” to the occasion, large or small. For never “loafing” on the job, for helping others to “heel” with TLC. No matter how you “slice it”, you do a terrific job loving others. Merry Christmas!
- Jolly Ranchers — Have a Holly “Jolly” Christmas!
- Root beer — We’re “root—ing” for you to have a happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year!
- Chex party mix — Remember Santa “Chex” his list twice to see who’s been naughty or nice … so be good for goodness sake! Merry Christmas!
- Box of Hostess Ho—Ho’s — Hope a merry “HO — HO — H0″ fills your heart the whole year through! (Put a Santa sticker on the label)
- Wire whisk — (Filled with chocolate kisses) “We “whisk” a Merry KISSmas!”
- Jar of jelly — Jelly is like love — you can’t spread it around without getting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!
- Christmas Tray — We “tray”sure your friendship! Merry Christmas!
- Bell — With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through! Merry Christmas!
- Yule log — “We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!”
- Potpourri — “May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago!” Merry Christmas!
- Cleaners — “You add sparkle and make our life brighter!” Merry Christmas!
- Nuts — “We’re nuts about you!” Merry Christmas!
- Lifesavers — ” You’ve been a life saver!” Have a great Christmas!
- A juice pitcher filled with candy canes— “We pitcher you raising a little “cane” during the holidays!” Have a Merry Christmas!
- Broom — You’re “Dust” the finest neighbors we know! Merry Christmas!
- Paper towels — “Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!”
- Measuring cup or glass measure — “Wishing you joy beyond measure!
- Bananas — If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we’d go bananas trying to find a better bunch than you!”
- Any star ornament — “Remember the reason for the season!”
- Chocolate mousse mix — “Merry Christmousse” to our “Deer” Friends!
- Wooden spoon — Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You’ll find this spoon useful in so many ways. But whatever it’s use, it says, “Merry Merry Christmas from us to you!”
- Flower — “If friends were flowers, we’d pick you! Happy Holidays! Or “You make friendship bloom all year round!”
- Heart Christmas ornament — “May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas day!”
- Cinnamon sprinkles — (Cinnamon & Sugar, or cookie sprinkles) “May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!” Merry Christmas!
- Hershey’s Hugs — “A friend always knows when you need a little hug!”
- Christmas music … CD or tape — “May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!” Or “May the merry sounds of Christmas bring a Joyful Melody to your holiday season” Merry Christmas!
- Filled basket — “Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings”
- Salsa — “Add a little spice to your holidays!” Merry Christmas!
- Stocking or filled Jar — “Have a fun filled Christmas this year!”
- Lamb — “Have “eweself” a Merry little Christmas!”
- Candle — “May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year Bright!
- Holly — “Happy Holly—days!”
- Calendar — “Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!”
- Shaped sugar cookies — “Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!”
- Cherry 7—up — “Just a Little Christmas cheer from happy hearts this time of year! Merry Christmas!”
- Sparkling cider — “Wishing you a sparkling holiday season!”
- Warm casserole or bread — “Bundled up with warm wishes!”
- Popcorn or carmel corn — “Just “popping” by with a Holiday Hi!” Or “May your holidays be poppin’!”
- Seasoning mix — “Seasoned with love” Merry Christmas!
- Eggbeater — “Have an “Eggstra” special holiday!”
- Hershey’s hugs and kisses — “Christmas hugs and kisses to you ” Or “Holiday hugs and kisses to you!”
- Apple pie of apple crisp — “Wishing you a scrumptious Christmas!”
- Fruit Basket — “May your New Year be Festive and Fruitful!”
- Any Sweet Treat — “Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!”
- Oranges — ” Orange” you glad we’re Friends!?” Merry Christmas!
- Chocolate orange — “Orange” you glad it’s Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a sweet one!
- Sprite — “May your Christmas be merry and Sprite!”
- Ice cream snowballs and hot fudge — ” Here’s some packaged “snowball” treats — Just drizzle hot fudge and it’s ready to eat! … Enjoy!”
- Snickers bar — “Don’t “Snicker”, just be glad you got something!”
- Mints — “Friends like you are worth a mint! Merry Christmas!
- Matches — “No one matches you as neighbors!” Merry Christmas!
- Strainer — (With a Christmas bow) ” We couldn’t restrain ourselves from wishing you a very Merry Christmas!”
- Box of light bulbs — “Have a bright and radiant Christmas”
- Bubble gum or Bubble bath — “May your holidays “bubble” over with fun!
- Pencil and notepad — “Merry Christmas from our pad to yours!” or Merry Christmas to a “noteworthy” friend!”
- Jar of Pickles — “Just in brine, Our wish for a merry Christmas!”
- Grater and cheese — “To a grate neighbor! Merry Christmas!”
- Ice cream — “Have a “cool” Yule!”
- Bear-shaped honey — “Have a Bear Sweet Christmas!”
- Santa — “Ho — Ho — Hoping your Christmas is heavenly!”
- Angel — “Hoping you have a heavenly Christmas!”
- Eggnog — “Have an “udderly moovalous” Christmas!”
- Gingerbread house — “Nibble, nibble like a mouse, We hope you’ll nibble at this house!” Merry Christmas!
- Mugs with hot chocolate mix — “To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!” (One Mug would be a special gift for a teacher. “To a special teacher, wishing you a “cup of cheer”!”)
- Cocoa mix — “Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!”
- Muffins or muffin mix — ” You’re getting “muffin” for Christmas!”
- Gum — “By gum, you’re a great neighbor! “Have a Merry Christmas”
- Veggies and dip — “Dip into a wonderful Holiday season and a healthy New Year!”
- Christmas-shaped pasta — (Or any pasta and a bottle of sauce) “Have a Pasta—tively Happy Holiday!”
- Jar of jam — “Hoping you have a holiday “jam” packed with fun!” “Have a “berry” nice holiday season!” Or “Hoping your Christmas is “jam-packed” with Christmas cheer!”
- Cookie dough — “Here’s a little extra “dough” for Christmas! Or “Everyone needs a little extra “dough” for Christmas!”
- Homemade frozen rolls — “Here’s a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can’t be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that’s all you do! Warm Holiday greetings to you”
- Brownie mix — (Or any Mix) “Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a “rich” Holiday Season!” (Be sure to attach the recipe!)
- Homemade caramels — Hoping you have a “rich” and “wonderful” Holiday!”
- Pie — “Just a “Holiday Hi” and a tasty pie! Happy Holidays!”
- Divinity — “May your Christmas be “divine” and your holidays so fine! Sweet Christmas wishes!”
- Rice Krispie treats — “Snap, crackle, pop” We think you’re really tops! “
- Toffee or brittle — “Any way you break it, We think you’re the greatest!”
- Fudge — “Fudge” a little on the calories and enjoy the holiday season!”
- Cheese ball and crackers — “We don’t mean to sound “cheesy”, we just hope you have a “ball” this Holiday Season! Or “Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!”
- Apple anything — (Pie, Cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.) “Sending you a “bushel” of love this Holiday Season!” Or “You are the apple of my eye, teacher!”
- Banana bread — “Banana bread just for you, because you have so much to do … We also love you a whole “bunch” too! Merry Christmas!”
- Cinnamon rolls — “Here’s a sweet treat “rolled” up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!”
- Homemade chocolates — “You’re so sweet … having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a heavenly Holiday Season!”
- Cake or cupcakes — “You take the “Cake” neighbor, We think you’re first rate! Happy Holidays to you!”
- Cornbread or mix — “We’re not trying to be “corny” we just want you to have Merry Christmas!”
- Carrot cake — “I really “carrot” a lot about you! Merry Christmas”
- Spiced drink mixes — “Hoping your holidays are “spiced” just right!”
- Homemade ice cream or a frozen treat — “Here’s the scoop … Hoping your holidays are a “blizzard” of fun!”
- Recipe — “Just like you friend … it’s tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday baking or Merry Christmas cooking!
- Pizza — “Hope your holiday has a touch of “Pizza—zz!” Merry Christmas!”
- Candle — “You light up my life!” Thanks for your friendship! May your Christmas be merry and bright!”
- Crayons and coloring book — Hope your holidays are colorful!
- Plant — ” The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!”
- Soda pop — “I’d “Soda” like to wish you a Merry Christmas!
- Stuffed animal — (Beanie Baby) “Pawsing” to wish you a Merry Christmas!”
- Donuts — “Donut” you know we love you? Have a Happy Holiday!
The Cinnamon Bear: Chapter 10
It’s another adventure with The Cinnamon Bear! Last time, Judy and Jimmy were on the Magic Island, where the Roly-Poly Policeman had taken their Silver Star for his uniform. But before the kids got to him, Crazy Quilt Dragon ran off with the Silver Star again!
Today: Chapter 10: Professor Whiz
In this chapter, Paddy, it seems, crossed an invisible boundary line, and so do the children, reuniting the group once again. An educated owl. Professor Whiz tells them that he’d spotted Crazy Quilt run into the nearby home of the feared Wintergreen Witch. They follow but find the home empty, except for a magical picture of a great forest. Stepping through the frame of the Picture into the woods, they meet tiny Fraidy Cat, who in a wee voice tells of a great giant who lives there. The trio and the kitten try to run when the giant approaches.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Chapter 10: Professor Whiz
Poll
Loading ...Get Updates
 |
 |
|
|