Placing the welcome mat outside the door,
lighting tapered candles in the windows;
The hearth glistening in expectation,
for it's all about the holidays now.

A chilled breeze shakes the maple tree,
woolen scarves wrapped 'round our faces;
Watching a turbulent sky above us,
returning from the cold to warmer places.

Grandma said we could have some pie,
but Mom said it was too soon before company;
My mouth watered as the cooking continued,
when will these scrumptious scents reach family ?

And then a burst of happiness I'd always known,
as aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews abound;
I shouted "hallelujah" as they sat around the table;
And Grace was said in muted tones of sound.