A mom's advice at Christmas

be generous with your good words
be true to your words
and follow them with facts
to your best

be quiet about your good deeds
remember that people have all
different needs
and all need to feel loved

add warmth to your hands
when you touch somebody's hands;
add warmth to your words
when you touch their souls

and listen to their words
when your turn comes
to listen, but hear
the sound of their voice behind words

look people in the eyes
see if they're there for you
bring them there with your voice
and your words

when Christmas comes
rememeber what it is mostly about,
gather your family in the kitchen
do some work together
some cleaning, some baking
then wash and go to the church
be prepared to share
some of what you have
enjoy the music but also the silence
if you can find
hold on if you can
to the sweetness of things
as long as you can.

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if it is cold remember
to clean the ice off the street
in front of your house
so people don't fall and get hurt
and think bad thoughts off you
do not expect to be thanked for
just do your part
and sleep well through the night