The Gypsy Stays Home

Every year since 1991 I have traveled at this time of year.  Often I've traveled to two or even three destinations visiting family and friends.  This year the Gypsy and her husband are staying home!  Our house is decorated.  We've been baking and cooking for days.  Friends are coming for Christmas Eve, family is coming for a few days, too, and our annual New Years gathering is happening at our house.  Our tiny little house will be bursting and the seams, and I couldn't be more excited!

There are a few gifts under our little tree, and I have one for you, too -- one of my favorite Christmas poems...

The Holy Night

We sate among the stalls at Bethlehem;
The dumb kine from their fodder turning them,
Softened their horned faces
To almost human gazes
Toward the newly Born:
The simple shepherds from the star-lit brooks
Brought their visionary looks,
As yet in their astonied hearing rung
The strange sweet angel-tonge:
The magi of the East, in sandals worn,
Knelt reverent, sweeping round,
With long pale beards, their gifts upon the ground,
The incense, myrrh, and gold
These baby hands were impotent to hold:
So let all earthlies and celestials wait
Upon thy royal state.
Sleep, sleep, my kingly One!

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas!