PK pens poetry to pause on Christmas pandemonium
My Sentiments Exactly

Editor’s note: Every year at this time, Patty Kimerer puts on her rhyming cap, the one with elf ears, and pens a play on Clement C. Moore’s famous poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” perhaps better known by its opening line, “‘Twas the night before Christmas…” Following is her rendition for 2023.
‘Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the Valley
Everyone was freaking out
From Grandpa to Aunt Sally.
The reason was simple
And quite plain to see
For not all of the gifts
Were yet under the tree.
And so, Mom in her sweater
And Dad in his ball cap
Were both tired and cranky but
Couldn’t squeeze in a quick nap.
Because Christmas 2023
Had crept right up on them
With ‘nary a warning,
Throwing a wrench in their Zen.
OK fine, it is true,
The calendar hung on the wall
And they knew Christmastime
Would come right after fall.
Yet, for whatever the reason
And with what seemed like pure malice
This particular season
Weighed them down like a ballast.
Some can blame it on Biden
Or the rate of inflation
As the sheer cost of everything
Was strong-holding the nation.
So, it’s entirely possible
That somehow this year
The thought of disappointing loved ones
Is a very real fear.
But remember, my friends,
As I’m oft to remind
The true seasonal effort
Is to be good and kind.
For no matter what politics
The naysayers lead us to,
The real Christmas presents
Are an obvious “To Do.”
We should all show to everyone
Much love and compassion.
And the peace of the good Lord
Whose birthday is in fashion.
Don’t forget that it’s Jesus
At the center of it all
Whether you’re praying in church
Or just hitting the mall.
The point is, He’s everywhere
And thank goodness He is.
With His grace and His mercy
For all adults and kids.
So go show some love
To the peeps in your circle
And to everyone else
Whether green, blue or purple!
Kimerer is a columnist with a huge appreciation for Clement Moore. Contact her with your own shameless imitation at pkimerer@zoominternet.net.