The children were nestled,
All snug in their beds;
Sleeping so peacefully,
No care in their heads.

The stockings all lay
In the drawers like they should;
A fire was burning
Of pine-scented wood.

Then Ma with her Bible
And list in her palm,
Joined me for prayer
And the 29th Psalm.

With a good night of rest,
We'll begin the new day,
Just like the others,
In the same usual way.

No rising up early,
No gadding about,
No headache from hours
Of hearing kids shout.

Not worn out from shopping,
Not ready to drop,
Not sick from eating
'Til we nearly pop.

We'll have a slow day,
Some work and some quiet,
No great disappointments,
No holiday riot.

We'll eat very plainly,
A nice simple dinner,
That won't tempt me sorely
To gorge like a sinner.

The kids will be happy
With their dear old toys;
No piles of loot,
For my girls and boys.

Oh, victory in Jesus,
How sweet 'tis to say,
"No Christmas at our house,
It's just another day!"

By Mary Van Nattan Stephens

graphics & backgrounds by Mary E. Stephens