This time of year when hearts reflect right back,
it’s not about the sack of gifts from Santa,
unpacking decorations, or a plaque,
or driving home for Christmas to Atlanta.

It’s not about the lighting up of trees,
or baking pies with cheese, or turkey roast,
or tea served hot to quell the snowy freeze,
or popping vintage corks to make a toast.

This year we will be grateful we survived,
and praise the old who've thrived against all odds,
revive a good tradition, pray with pride,
for all those souls in Heaven with our God.

So many empty chairs to comprehend,
at Christmas we will toast to absent friends.