Christmas Poems

I hope you enjoy this lovely collection of classic Christmas poems to include: Twas the Night Before Christmas, The 12 Days of Christmas, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, and more.

Christmas Angel...

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A Christmas Prayer

Loving Father,
Help us to remember the birth of Jesus
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and
open the door of love all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift and
good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing
which Christ brings, and teach us to
be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy
to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening
bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.
Amen.

~ Robert Louis Stevenson
American Author
(1850 - 1894)

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A Soldier's Christmas Poem

Enjoy this special military video with the Christmas poem called "A Soldier's Christmas".

The creator of this beautiful video initially thought this Christmas poem was written by LCDR Jeff Giles so the video credits this person for the poem. Later the creator of the video found out this Christmas poem was actually written by Michael Marks. So I am posting this correction as I feel this is still the best video presentation of the poem I've seen on the net.

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A Soldier's Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
to the window that danced with a warm fire's light
then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

"My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am."

"I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
who stand at the front against any and all,
to insure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
to know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

~ Michael Marks, Christmas 2000

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Christmas Games

Christmas Picture Bingo

Bingo made for the youngest players!

All squares have pictures so even the kids can play bingo.
Generator will scramble pictures for unique cards.

Call card with pictures included.

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Deluxe Christmas and New Years Games Collection

Over 75 Printable Christmas, New Years and Winter games included in this package!

Who knew you might be unwrapping a bit of laughter and Christmas music as guests hum along, tag along, share answers, guard answers, or get into the game craze of the holidays!

Whether your Christmas means Santa and reindeer, snowmen and holiday lights, or the nativity and Christmas angels...with over 75 printable games (and answer keys) that you can print from your computer, you'll be ringing in Christmas and the New Year happy.

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Christmas Jeopardy

From Christmas Trivia to Name That Tune, this team game pits guests against each other in a test of Christmas knowledge! With 6 different game boards, your guests won't be disappointed!

Answer key included.

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I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet the words repeat,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had roll'd along th' unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bow'd my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.

'Til ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!"

~ Henry Wadsworth LongfellowAmerican Author (1807- 1882)

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It's Christmas Time Again

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.

Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It’s Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don’t let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It’s Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It’s a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It’s Christmas time again!

~ Bob Lazzar-Atwood

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Message From Stanta Claus

Message from Santa Claus
If it were in my powers,

I would bring peace and love,
To this world of ours,
But I don't have magic enough,
I can cross the sky,
and pass by the stars,

But I can't seem to stop,
Any of hatred's wars,
I see children on the street,
With no hope left,
in the eyes.

So many homeless people
with no where to sleep.

And my heart cries.

I can't give the things they need,
Oh But God I would try.
I'm only a fantasy,
that once took wings to fly,

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Some are deceived,
by the gifts that money can buy,
But those who truly believe,
see the gift with the heart,
not with the eye,

I sometime stop and go to my knees,
and pause,
and I too always pray,
That we will find a end to wars,
and live in peace one day.
For all those who believe in me,
I will continue my cause,

Across the stars,
over the wars,
On Christmas Eve,
For the hearts that still believe,
In Santa Claus

~ Judy Arline Puckett ©

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The Christmas Tree

'Twas the seventh of December
And a thought came to me
Christmas was coming
And I don't have a tree

Well the kids are all grown
So I wondered "what for?"
Still, I got in my car
And I drove to the store

There were fake trees a-plenty
Some already lit
But I just didn't see one
That seemed it would fit

So back to my car
And while driving around
There were boy scouts and civic groups
With real trees abound!

I strolled through these forests
Though "make-shift" they were
Engulfed by the scent
Of these eight foot tall fir

And suddenly something
Awoke in my soul
The memories of Christmas
Of days long ago

It brightened my spirit
And gave me a lift
This feeling that stirred
Was my first Christmas gift!

For I, as a child,
And then, as a Dad,
Have been blessed in this lifetime
Through the good and the bad

Yes, the presents, the candy,
The warm memories
All seem to be focused
Around these evergreen trees

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From all I've been given
I thought to myself
Maybe this year I will be
One of those elves

So I purchased a tree
Then I said to the man
I'll be back for some more
I've a Christmas tree plan

There's the home for the children
The home for the old
The prisons, the shelters,
The hungry and cold

They all will have Christmas trees

And much more than that
A place to be huddled
A place to look back
And tucked in the branches

I left them a note
"Remember the meaning of Christmas",

I wrote "All the carols are sung
And the Christmas lights glow
For one simple reason
That mankind shall know"

"That God loves each one of us
And He wants everyone
To know of the story
Of Jesus, his son"

"For life everlasting
For you and for me
Remember the Christ child
As you gaze at this tree"

~ Larry Whitler, © 1993

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The Spirit of Christmas

I have a list of people I know
All written in a book
And every year at Christmastime
I go and take a look

And that is when I realise
That those names are a part
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart

For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine

And once you've met some people
The years can not erase
The memory of a pleasant word
Or a friendly face

So when I send a Christmas card
That is addressed to you
It's because you're on that list
Of folk I'm indebted to

And you are one of many folk who
In times past I've met
And happen to be one of those
I don't want to forget

And whether I have known you for
Many years or few
In some way you have a part in
Shaping things I do

This, the spirit of Christmas, that
Forever and ever endures
May it leave it richest blessing
In the hearts of you and yours.

~ Unknown

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The Twelve Days of Christmas

The first day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree

The second day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

The third day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

The fourth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

The fifth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree

The sixth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree

The seventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree

The eighth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

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On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Nine drummers drumming,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

The tenth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Ten pipers piping,
Nine drummers drumming,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

The eleventh day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Eleven ladies dancing,
Ten pipers piping,
Nine drummers drumming,
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

The twelfth day of Christmas
My true love sent to me
Twelve lords a-leaping,
Eleven ladies dancing,
Ten pipers piping,
Nine drummers drumming,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five gold rings,
Four colly birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree.

~ Unknown

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Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap;

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of midday to objects below—

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name—

"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer! Now, Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blixen!

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now, dash away! Dash away! Dash away! All!"

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.

And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each tiny hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;

His droll little mouth was drawn up in a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings—then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle;

But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!" 

~ Clement Clarke Moore (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863)

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