Not For Me

Christmas Day, my mum said, was just like

any other day. We’re not Christians, she declaimed –

we don’t celebrate Christmas. Every year I’d see

the decorations in the windows, the bright lights

draped from bushes and trees, the inflatable Santas,

and know it was not for me. I’d hear the jolly songs

through the speakers in shops, and know they weren’t 

for my ears. And on the day itself, when other children

would be wildly ripping wrappers, I’d get out of bed

just like I did on all the other days. We’d have breakfast,

maybe go for a walk, but all the while I’d know a feast

was happening at a whole other table. Three wise men;

Jesus in the stable – a whole different heritage;

a different tradition. And on this day, to me, 

something always seemed missing.

Joshua Seigal