Children wake early, excited
Others already up, others to be woken
Gleefully, the little ones tear through their stockings
Grateful to escape, cinna-buns need baking
Forced smiles, murmured Merry Christmas
Kids wait impatiently to open gifts
The oldest, tired lays on the floor resting
While we wait for everyone to assemble
Oven beeps, buns to go in, timer to set
Finally everyone is present
Paper flies, joyous squeals of delight
All Christmas surprises revealed
Going from toy to toy
The children open, to exam each new item
A feeling of resentment settles over me
Timer goes off, the bun ready
Kids are groomed and prepped
Waiting again for people to ready themselves
Antsiness sets in, whining starts
Finally off, I try to drift off
Smells of dinner waft
I help with the fixings
Extra effort is made to make things nice
Serving bowls and platter all arranged
Six in the household, five at the table
Little-ins tired and hungry, day spent visiting
I pick at my food, sad nobody remarks on the absence
Angry at one causing it, as he eats this feast as if he created it
Heart empty, I sit with the last child
As she struggles to finish her food
Perhaps she feels as hollow as I
Knowing food won't fill this space
I try to remind myself this charade
Is for the kids, one last family holiday
Smile and speak cheerfully for them
Ignore the sadness bubbling inside
