Verse 1
Christmas Eve, the family gathers,
in tree-lit glow red, green, and gold,
Silver tinsel catching light,
Ornaments recounting stories old.
Children’s eyes wide, anticipating,
Hearts a-racing, Christmas night—
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!

Verse 2
Family voices rise together,
Off-key, on-key, it matters none.
Guitars strum and laughter follows,
Songs of joy for everyone.
“Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” ringing,
“Peace on earth” a soft delight—
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!

Verse 3
Then the play begins with wonder,
Written, played by young and old.
Mistakes turned treasures, laughter’s blessing,
Childlike joy is pure as gold.
’Twas the night before Christmas’ spoken,
As though breathed for the first time—
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!

Verse 4
Then the doorbell rings in mystery,
Though every heart is gathered near.
On the step a sack of presents,
Signed by a hand warm and clear.
Mr. Pumpernickel smiling,
Magic whispers through the night—
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!

Verse 5
Father’s chuckle, mother’s blessing,
Guardians of the season’s flame.
Wonder cradled, softly keeping
Christmas magic is still the same.
Love’s own whisper, pure and simple,
Faith that mystery is real—
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!
Oh, Christmas night, so full of light!

Coda:
And from the kitchen—
the elf cookie jar
a smile, a wink, and a dimple,
Mr. Pumpernickel.

Originally written: 10/1-10/4/2023