When the Christmas hustle-bustle

Makes every single nerve just rustle

And there isn’t time to make a list

To hold it tight within your fist—

Then take a breath and remember the reason for the season:

To love, to care, to share, to forgive, to help and to pray

That our foibles will be forgiven by the time our heads lay

Wearily upon our pillows, remembering our fears—

Remember this, and don’t be ashamed to show those tears;

They are the forgiveness we owe to ourselves

(With nothing at all to do with elves!)

Be at peace and know

That presents may come and presents may go—

It’s the people we love and who love us

That makes this Christmas the best with no fuss!