Holiday Gifts Poem by Mark Bratlie

Holidays come once a year
and are a precious gift
They mark the passing of our days
and give our hearts a lift

As New Year's Eve brings revelry we all make toasts so fine
We fill our minds with memories and sing of auld lang syne
We usher in the coming year with hopes that are quite high
And yearn for wishes coming true and fortunes drawing nigh

Be my February sweetheart and I'll love you all the time
I will give you cards and candy with messages that rhyme
Please don't disappoint me when my heart is on the line
Just tell me that you love me and you'll be my Valentine

Since March is for the Irish we salute St. Patrick's Day
With mugs of brew and good lamb's stew and Boston's green parade
We look for four-leaf-clovers which might keep our lives on track
And may the sun shine on your face with wind upon your back

Easter brings glad tidings for Christians far and wide
As a glorious life is promised when they reach the other side
While children hunt for colored eggs all hidden in the grass
And give us smiles and laughter as they build their Easter stash

In May we thank our mothers for all their love and care
In a world that's far from perfect their selfless love is rare
Even when we acted up, they loved us night and day
A hug, a card, a spring bouquet will send love back their way

Father's Day comes every June but does not get much press
This holiday's forgotten when compared to all the rest
Still, we owe dads recognition for everything they do
And just like moms they long to hear their kids say 'I love you'

Proud stars and stripes wave in the breeze and usher in July
As fireworks loudly split the air and light the summer sky
We cherish independence and our own democracy
And vow to stand for justice so that all have liberty

The month of August is unique with zero holidays
Still, many of us do enjoy the warm vacation days
We hit the road to here and there to have a bit of fun
We take in mother nature's gifts and bask in summer sun

September marks vacation's end with yellows, reds, and golds
While bringing us Yom Kippur and the holy gifts it holds
Atonement is the focus of this Jewish holiday
Forgiveness is the special gift that's meant to come our way

October brings the All Saints Day we know as Halloween
As folks all dress in scary guise whether kid, adult or teen
The young all love the many treats collected door-to-door
While some teens conjure tricks to pull for fun and laughs galore

Thanksgiving Day reminds us of the blessings this life gives
As most share meals with family and other relatives
The fare may be roast turkey meat with many tasty sides
While hearts all swell with gratitude and sweet love that abides

Christmas brings Emmanuel, the Holy Bible tells
Along with sounds of carolers and merry Yuletide bells
The message is of peace and love and promised holy birth
As tidings of enduring joy reach humankind on Earth

Yes, holidays come once a year
and are a precious gift
They mark the passing of our days
And give our hearts a lift