~*~ The Spirit of Christmas ~*~

I have a list of folks I know, 
all written in a book.
And every year at Christmas time, 
I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize 
that these names are a part ...
Not of the book they're written in, 
but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone 
who has crossed my path sometime, 
And in that meeting 
they've become the rhythm in each rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic 
for me to make this claim,
I really feel that I'm composed 
of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link
Just meeting you has changed my life,
and a lot more than you think.
For once I've met somebody, 
the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word 
or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards 
are just a mere routine
Of names on a Christmas list, 
forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card 
that is addressed to you,
It's because you are on the list of folks 
I am indebted too.

For I am the total of the many folks I have met
And you happen to be one of those 
I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you 
for many years or few,
In some way you have been a part 
in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes, 
I realize anew
The best gift life can offer 
is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas 
that forever endures,
Leave the richest blessings 
in the hearts of you and yours.

--unknown--