Christmas Day in Those Bygone Years
In the country homes and little towns
Where winter came without a sound
Frozen breath and bodies thin
Clapboard walls and floors sunk in
Threadbare wraps and worn through soles
Rise to set, the toils and tolls
When lantern light at dusk grew soft
And chimney smoke took flight aloft
The Christmas star still found a way
Bringing joy on Christmas day
Shutters tight to save the heat
While little voices spoke beneath
Table sets, most small but bright
Branches green and candle’s light
Beside each plate a special treat
A burst of color, something sweet
Oranges placed with mother’s pride
And ribbons saved from years beside
No golden feast, no grand display
A simple meal on Christmas Day
Tiny voices singing angel songs
All together where they belong
While in the corner a fitting tree
Its branches soft and feathery
And down below some little things
Wrapped in paper, tied with strings
A doll of scraps, a horse of wood
Parents gave them what they could
When gifts were rare, they all brought joy
For what a treat to receive a toy
Soon laughter rang around the tree
Such a joy for eyes to see
That joy was born of simple things
Not presents wrapped, but angel wings
Wings of hope, of steadfast cheer
Helped them through those leaner years
Then time to go, to see the sights
Step outside to fields of white
Neighbors came through drifting snow
Tidings bid, and off they’d go
Some would stay, they’d come inside
While children stayed to play outside
Little gifts they’d saved to share
A loaf of bread, a ripened pear
Those gifts from friends, Christmas cheer
The thoughts of love, some drew a tear
Their world was such a simple place
Yet filled with hope, and love’s embrace
Oh, Christmas Day in those bygone years
Blessings flowed and reappeared
Hearts were rich though means were few
When a higher power brought them through
Reminds us still, when nights grow long
That hope endures when souls are strong
And joy, like bells on crispy air
Did bloom in homes both plain and spare
Additional Reading
R.J. (Ralph) Schwartz is an American poet, author, website owner, and online publisher. His writing spans several poetry collections—ranging from spiritual and romantic to fear-driven explorations—and even extends into science fiction. Notable works include:
-
Hope – Inspirational and Spiritual Poetry
-
Things That Go Bump in the Night – Poetry of Fear and Fright
-
The Lover’s Thread – Poetry for Couples
-
Poetry of the Human Condition – The Ups and Downs of Modern Living
-
The Secrets of the Moon (a sci-fi novel co-authored with his son Sebastian J. Schwartz)
Schwartz’s work is described as purposefully wordy, richly descriptive, and thematically grounded in nature, romance, antiquity, and forgotten histories. He writes regularly on platforms he manages, including The Creative Exiles, a collaborative venue for writers, and The Gypsy Thread, which delves into offbeat histories, pagan lore, and poetry.
- The Republic of Perpetual Outrage - March 7, 2026
- Thoughts Over Coffee – The Cereal Taxonomy Crisis - February 25, 2026
- Normal Was The First Casualty - February 23, 2026
