Merry Christmas Eve Poem by Jim Yerman

I love Christmas Day with the giving of gifts, and believing in make-believe
But I also love the days that lead up to it and most notably Christmas Eve.

The gifts sit unopened under the tree, they are wrapped and the bows are all tied.
Christmas Eve is the last night we have to dream about the presents hiding inside.

The anticipation brings with it a warmth and a joy, you see it as you walk down the street
It’s felt in the hearts and rides on the shoulders and faces of the people we meet.

I guess I shouldn’t be astonished by feeling this way anymore
Because I carry with me a history of enjoying the night before.

I remember the night before my first date, I was filled with excitement and awe
I remember that night as affectionately as I remember the movie we saw.

(It was a beautiful evening, we sat in the theater and I remember Becky’s silhouette
As we ate our popcorn and drank our sodas while watching Romeo and Juliette.)

I remember the night before my first kiss, it’s a night I can’t easily dismiss
As I was hoping the next evening would be...the night of my very first kiss.

I remember the night before I was married, my face was a perpetual grin.
Wondering what the future held for us and waiting for that future to begin.

I remember the nights before my children were born as much as the days of their births.
I imagine if you looked you wouldn’t have found a happier person on Earth.

Yes, Christmas morning and all special days have the power to enchant and beguile
But Christmas Eve is another example of how it’s the journey that makes life worthwhile.

So as much as I enjoy Christmas Day there are many more reasons I believe
To wish all of you who are reading this a joyous and grand Christmas Eve.