Move the shepherds closer to the stable.
Place the plastic baby in the trough.
Quickly eat the cookies left for Santa,
dispose of the milk with one quick quaff.

Light all the candles in the advent wreath.
Sip coffee while the gifts are opened with great glee.
Gather scattered wrappings, bows and ribbons.
Turn on the oven, dress the plump turkey.

In the quiet, lonely confines of the kitchen,
marvel at how rapidly the years fly
and wonder at the meaning of this “Christmas”
until intrudes a call for more mince pies.