Memories of one fidget night near the parking lot of our town hall.

Anticipation building for this Christmas gathering.

Town’s people gathering around the concession stand.

Steaming hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies.

Members of Park and Recreation sharing a smile,

while handing out these seasonal treats.

Children giggling and all bundled up on that

cold December night.

Parents with a gleam in their eyes, etched memories echoes of

long ago childhood.

Everyone waiting for Santa’s arrival on a red fire truck.

“Twas the Night before Christmas,” was read in a dramatic tone.

The church choir was to usher in this Jolly Old Man.

But no choir member showed.

Hearing the grunts and groans of town folks ready to leave.

Oh no say this is not so.

It felt like a scene from the Grinch.

With all eyes looking towards me.

Quickly passing out song sheets to one and all.

I started to sing the chorus of Jing Bells.

Yet no one sang expect my dad,

noticing his eyes filled up with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Hoping all would sing.

I kept going that night with three more reframes.

Thinking this was a bust.

Until dad and my niece Madison sang all the louder.

Finally the queue, everyone starting singing.

“Santa Claus is coming to Town.”

Ushering in that Jolly Olde Soul.

From the top of his shiny new red fire truck.

He welcomed one and all.

With boisterous cries of Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

Throwing out candy canes for all good little boys and girls.

But I was the one who gave a big sigh from panicking in the cold.

Finally after it was all over and the clean up began.

A famous face came over.

Declaring for everyone to hear, “ You certainly know how to turn lemons into lemonade,

my dear.

Thank you for this wonderful Christmas event.”

I will never forget the cold almost silent night.

© Mary Anne Abdo https://weeklyprompts.wordpress.com/?p=14232&preview=true