This is Christmas time!

I remember when Christmas possessed me
never left me
from December to its end
lists and songs and decorations
hovering wishes and recipe dishes
the dump of morning snow
bursting pupils to glittering white
sheer uncontained delight.
At last the Eve, mince pies left for Father C
next to the crowded tree, a present mountain
All for me?
To bed with tummy all funny
and the clock tick-tock that seemed to stop
this is the longest night of the year
but wait, a sound...A sleigh bell chime?
pricking my ears - a clue, a sign
demanding the presence of Christmas time...

Then fast as fury the touch paper lit
is it too early? No not a bit
inspecting the crumbs on Santa's plate
read his note, I just couldn't wait
This is Christmas Day, I say, this is Christmas Day
So much to open, so much to do,
Surprise!
you got me it!
yes, this one's for you
crackers and jokes, gran's crooked hat
cake and trifle
feeling fat
carried to bed with dangling arms
energy tank blinking red
but in a flash it's Boxing Day
and the football game's ahead
coats and scarves, gloves and grins
voices all gone hoarse
who won? asked mum, on our return
we won 3-0 of course.