My Dad would never cause any problem
For forty years he worked hard every day
      But when he took the time to talk to me
I remember the words that he would say
.
“Point your toes the way that you’re walkin’
Be happy with the things that you do
Listen well and do a lot less talkin’
And close the gate when you go through”

Summertime in Tennessee was steaming hot
And we’d go down to Lovell’s country store
He’d say, “if your not happy with what you’ve got,
Then you won’t be happy with more.”

He never had a lot of education
But each year I know he read a hundred books
The man who laid for me my foundation
Said life is not as hard as it looks

“Just point your toes the way that you’re walkin’
Be happy with the things that you do
Listen well and do a lot less talkin’
And close the gate when you go through.”

On a snowy evening when the cold wind swirls
We sit quietly thinking of the boys and girls
And the excitement the early morning will bring
As the joy spreads rippling while the children sing.

Years ago we too were lost in the maze
And foggy wonderment of those fleeting days
When sleepy-eyed we longed to stay awake
To see the jolly red giant and to partake
In the mystery of the spell only he could spin
But sandy-eyed we fell asleep again.

Quiet and still the winter night was hushed
As I looked around the room and rushed
Into the fireside glow where the glittering tree
Displayed its presence and huddled there for me,
My dreams and wants, I shook with all my joy
And rushed around the tree, clutching at each toy.

My sister wandered in still yawning.
We knew we’d never wait for morning
And Mom would call us to the window to peer
Into the night for St. Nick and his reindeer.
The wonder of those times still brings delight
It’s truly magical, the love of this special night.
            .
            .
            .
Christmas morning, my daughter’s still asleep,
Too young to understand the memories we keep
Locked away for this very time of year
When Santa loads his sleigh with all his gear
And sets his flight for all the world around,
Returns again with not even a pause or sound.

The wonder of this night is strong in my mind.
We hope and want for her, a feeling just as kind
Full of mystery, wonder and joy without bounds
The night each year when Santa comes to town.