Christmas to me
Is full of decorated shopping centres bidding us to buy trees and tinsel
When several hawkers peddle Santa hats inscribed with “Merry Christmas” and “Happy 2024”
And when most houses, buildings and roundabouts shine red, blue, yellow and green with their strings of lights
It’s one of the most colourful and bright seasons of the year
Almost every night sky bursts with spectacular fireworks that herald the coming new year
And some towns celebrate with parades of Santa Clauses of all shapes, sizes and colours
Even if your home takes its decorations down immediately after the 26th,
Or leaves them up until the next Easter,
The season is truly glorious and bright
And this, is Christmas to me
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree / How lovely are thy branches…
O CHRISTMAS TREE (ARETHA FRANKLIN, 1992)
Gems from a Sapphire 