Happy Holidays and a Wonderful 2022.

Hello, Everyone,

We are living in tough times.  Probably each of us has experienced feelings of loss, isolation, loneliness, and even anger.  I know I have.  Yet, there have also been acts of kindness that we have given and received. They remind us that we care and are there for each other.  No one is alone.   

With this in mind, I wrote The Heart Before Christmas and offer it to you with my best wishes for a happy holiday and a healthy, productive, and fun-filled New Year.

The heart before Christmas

Was sad and alone

Because (s)he had no place

That felt like home.

(S)he lived in a house,

So that’s not what I mean.

The heart just felt empty.

Unloved and unseen.

(S)he was great at her/his job

Not so much with the mingling;

But (s)he watched, and (s)he learned

And soon felt a tingling:

An idea was forming

Inside her/his head.

If people didn’t invite her/him,

(S)he’d invite them instead.

 What a thought! What a concept!

(S)he was very excited.

A holiday party.  

They’d all be delighted!

Her/his e-vite was popping

With color and cheer.

“Getting to know you” the theme

For a happy new year!

 A long week dragged by.

No response.  Not a word.

(S)he checked and saw

Something completely absurd.

  With so much on her/his mind,

From beginning to end,

In planning the party,

(S)he forgot to hit ‘SEND,’

Which (s)he did right away,

And in no time at all,

The yeses poured in

The heart leapt up enthralled.

A chance to make friends,

To be one of the crowd,

To be seen, to be heard.

Was (s)he dreaming out loud?

 Was it too much to ask

To be liked for her/himself?

Or would they simply have fun,

Then put her/him back on the shelf?

They came bringing cookies,

Smiles, and good-natured cheer.

Saying, “Happy to see you.”

“So glad to be here.”

 “I thought you didn’t like me,”

Heart mentioned to one.

“We thought you didn’t like us.”

One replied.  “No harm done.” 

Long into the night

They did what friends do:

Sang, danced, and laughed, 

Shared a story or two.

 “Great fun.”  “See you soon.” 

They waved as they were leaving.

“Good to know you.”  “Thanks.”  “Call me.”

Heart was grateful, believing…                   

I have friends; they like me.

I like them, too.

I’ve a world to explore,   

All of life to pursue.

So, put yourself out there.

Be friendly and kind.

Good will come back to you

Time after time.

Speak up!!!

Let people know that you care.

They can’t read your mind,

But are happy you’re there.

And you won’t be sad

Or alone any more.

One friend or another

Will be at your door.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah

and Kwanzaa; Ramandan next spring.

Whatever you honor,

One true thing

Is the holiday spirit each of you brings.

 Just open your heart,

And it will be home

For you, family, and friends

Wherever you roam.

The Heart Before Christmas© by Dr. Merle R. Schell, November 29, 2021