The Darker Side of Christmas

Laughter and smiles in the fire warmed home
Dancing around a tree adorned with pretty lights
Rustling of paper torn off in shear excitement
A cloth draped table full of delicious food

But behind the laughter and smiles
Dark secrets linger
Pain from a time now long gone, but never forgotten
Christmas is a time for family and joy
Yet to me, it serves a reminder of how that was cruelly taken
A shattered home

Christmas is a time of sacrifice
Every year I bury my feelings
Force a smile on my face and enjoy the day
But I know I will never receive what I want for Christmas

When December the 25th falls, I always wish for the same thing
I open beautiful gifts that fill me with a temporary joy
Yet there will always be a longing in my heart
A longing for something nobody can give me
Something I’ve dreamed of for the past decade

The perfect gift would be to receive what Christmas is meant to symbolise
A united family, celebrating together with love and joy.

"All I want for Christmas is you."