The Christmas Debate

When I was little
Like the little ones here today
I used to wish that Christmas was everyday
Couldn’t wait to see what recitation I had to say
And the toys that I would get to play with
Because the biggest debate in school in January
Would be who got the best Barbie or the best set of the hot wheels
Today the kids may debate about NBA 2K24 or the latest device
Because they think that’s what makes Christmas nice
But you know what was really nice
Back in the Day there were two bands of carolers
Who came across the countryside
And the debate was which band of carolers was going get to my door first
“A Merry Christmas to You All”
And which one would get to the Road Town Methodist Church first to perform
Away in a Manager – wait… There are two tunes
This always had me confused… Gosh, today I’m still debating
As to which version is more entertaining
But I think one of the best debates than runs from back then till now is
Which tart is the best?
Is it coconut?
Is it guavaberry?
Is it guava?
Or is it pineapple?
And while we debate about the things we love about Christmas
Let us not forget the reason why we celebrate
This is a time for us to reflect on
The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ
A time for us to be giving, loving, and caring
While sharing our gifts and talents
With those we love and those in need
Let us be like the star that led the wise men
Faithful, sharp, consistent, and guiding
Because Christmas is the time for giving
But with all this debating, I am getting hungry
Time for the best tart in my tummy
The best flavor all the way
Give me pineapple tart any day.

Looking for more holiday reading? There’s plenty to enjoy at the MockingOwl Roost!

• Holiday Refrain – Creative Nonfiction
• Yule Dreams – Christmas Poetry
• Christmas Traditions – Personal Essay
• Asking Questions Christmas Edition – Positivity Corner
• Gingerbreading – My Favorite Things
• Holes in the Stockings – Christmas Poetry
• December Book Roundup

Linette Rabsatt

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Linette Rabsatt is a Virgin Islands poet with roots in the BVI and USVI who began writing in 1996. You can find her work in her 2023 Kindle book, "Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt," on her blog, "Words of Ribbon," in "Virgin Islands Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean," and on the Visual Verse website. She performs at local events, and online poetry readings and was recently nominated for a National Spoken Words Award for Best International Artist.

Find more from Linette on her blog.

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