Think

Think of children on Christmas Eve night,
Fast asleep and tucked in tight,
Excited about what tomorrow will bring,
But wondering if they’ll get anything.

Think of children, where Christmas is not bright,
Darkness creeps in, and they see no light.
They may not have a family, may not have a home,
This Christmas will be spent all alone.

Think of pensioners all by themselves,
No visits from Santa or his elves.
Their loved ones have now passed on,
Where is the hope now they have gone?

There will be no decorations, no parties, no panto.
No Christmas drinks or mistletoe,
No carols, no turkey, and no gifts under the tree,
Just a meal for one in front of the TV.

Think of those who have lost their homes,
their town, their country now war zones.
Families that have been torn apart,
Lives ruined; broken hearts.

No lights, no laughter, and no cheer.
Streets where they are, are full of fear,
The only gifts they might see,
Will be from boxes sent to a refugee.

Think of those who live on the street,
relying on the generosity of people they meet.
The food they may have, the clothes they may wear,
Are all from someone who has decided to share.

Poverty is real and Christmas ain’t cheap.
For some, it’s a time of struggle to make ends meet.
some stretch, some borrow, some have to steal
To try to afford a decent meal.

Think of parents who budget for fuel and something to eat,
And struggle to afford the extra heat.
Christmas is too commercial for so many
As they can’t afford those extra pennies.

They save all year to afford their best,
Under pressure to ‘match the rest’
To buy their child that ‘must have’ toy,
That they know would fill them with such joy.

Think of children whose parents work away,
And who won’t be home on Christmas Day,
Think of the heartache as they prepare
For a Christmas when they won’t be there.

Think of children, who are not able
to have all the family around the Christmas table.
One less chair & one less gift under the tree,
As they mourn a loss in their family.

Sometimes it seems it’s all for show;
the perfect Christmas with fresh white snow.
The reality is that life ain’t fair,
So this Christmas, show that you care.

Whilst you sit at home this year,
Amongst the love, the smiles, the cheer,
take time to reflect and be grateful for what’s there;
to give thanks and remember to share.

Look and value what you see,
Your home, your possessions, your family.
Be kind, Give love, and be willing to share,
as in your hour of need you would want someone there.

So this Christmas Eve when you wish or pray,
Be Grateful not just for gifts that arrive by sleigh.
Appreciate the things people say and do,
And remember it is done with love for you.

By Jessica Sheeran