’Twas the Monday before Christmas, and all through the house,
Moms hurried with purpose, quick as a mouse.
The stockings were hung weeks ago with great care,
While inflation-driven prices gave shoppers a scare.

The tree was already trimmed, lights glowing just right,
Two-week breaks have begun, days blurring into night.
Packages now rest in delivery hands,
While dads eye Christmas Eve with last-minute plans.

For those working from home, Monday’s a treat,
A Zoom-call Christmas party with friends you can meet.
Entrepreneurs gather, mugs raised with cheer,
Sharing wins, swapping laughs, closing out the year.

Tables bend low with cookie trays piled high,
While dogs sit below with a hopeful eye.
Crumbs may just “accidentally” fall to the floor,
As noses nudge ankles asking for more.

It’s the last night of Hanukkah, candles burn bright,
Festivus waits with its pole standing upright.
Feats of strength loom and grievances too,
But haven’t we aired quite enough, me and you?

So instead of more griping, let’s try something new,
A chain of true kindness, sincere and overdue.
Tell someone you love them, say why they matter,
Words can mend hearts far better than chatter.

Drive slowly past houses all lit up in glow,
Smile at a stranger, let simple warmth show.
Sing carols at nursing homes, soft and sincere,
Where memories linger, and joy still draws near.

Remember the elderly, the homeless, the grieved,
Those quietly hurting, unseen, and fatigued.
This season shines brightest when mercy is near,
When love is the message we choose to deliver.

So on this calm Monday before Christmas Day,
Let kindness lead gently and show us the way.
For the greatest of gifts, so simple yet true,
Is choosing compassion in all that we do.