These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Christmas of January

The twenty-fifth, one month before,
was Christmas Day in loving joy.
The future holds so much in store,
that peace and patience we employ.

The reindeer stayed last night in ward,
and Santa warmed his chocolate drink
in two strong hands by hearth, that roared
a-sitting back to rest, and think.

The bustle, now, so long 'tis through.
The truths of Christmas better known.
These peaceful days of year so new.
Sweet restful days for hearts, that groan.

Each present opened on this day
cannot be found, 'neath boughs of green.
The gift of friendship, grace to say,
and hope to share as life we preen.

May Jesus Christ we seek to know
in new year's days as at the last.
His lasting Gift I loving trow
is first in hearts of clean-ed pasts.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 25th, 2022