The joy of the season

Through the festive season, my tension builds like a storm.

Because although I like parties, there are too many

and while I love to give, it’s hard to choose gifts

and the shops are so crowded

and sometimes I’m too late for online shopping.

It’s a pleasure to bake and cook food to share

but there are so many jobs,

there’s work to finish,

my calendar’s like Tetris,

and everything must be done before Christmas.

But there are moments in the madness

that nourish me

and they’re not always where I expect.

Leaving the work dinner is one of them.     

I walk up the mall,

warm, still night aglow with Christmas lights.

The shops are closed, the cafés are closed.

It’s so quiet after the roar of the restaurant.

But there are people, in groups and alone,

sitting, standing, chatting, laughing,

and strolling – the mere word invokes pleasure –

walking for the joy of it, no place to be.

There’s no reason for them to be here,

except the generous warm night

the beauty of the lights,

and to be together.

An old Indian man rides the Christmas swing made for children.

His family are watching, not laughing, just smiling.

Because old men can ride swings for fun. Why not?

And amidst the calm and the soft hum of strangers,

I find the joy of the season.

Copyright Sophie Ransom 2025