Christmas Letter 2020

 

Dear Family and Friends,

Twas' the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
We had developed a hatred for cloth covering our mouths.

Yet masks hung by the mantle, with plenty to spare,
So we'd remember to grab one, should we go anywhere,

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While anime and memes danced on their LEDs,

(I know L.E.D. is an acronym perhaps,
And it doesn't make sense to use it like that,

But for rhyming purposes what does it matter
If you pronounce it "led", like a horse to wa-ter...)

Ahem.

And Lea in her sweater, and Chris in her pajamas,
While I lay dreaming, reliving our 2020 drama

It began with no fanfare, just usual fun,
Outings with friends, dinners with family – the year had just begun

A stay at the Broadmoor and stock show funnel cakes
Just quality time together is all that it takes

Kailei busy with unified sports, choir, and honor roll,
While Keara - working as a teacher’s assistant - turned 19 years old!

Zeb got a bucket list pic, with Nuggets mascot Rocky,
While Chris got psoriasis - what's with that horse hockey?

But she dealt with it fine and is feeling much better,
And probably dislikes me for including it in this letter

But then COVID hit, and we all hunkered down,
Thinking it wouldn't be long, 'fore we're out and around

School went full cyber with a new thing called Zoom,
Lots of time connected, yet alone in our room

First Easter, then Mother's day, graduation and birthdays,
All quiet and passed-by, feeling a general malaise.

Our hair was unruly - unlike Keenan, no self-cuts,
So we kept busy, avoided mirrors, trying not to go nuts!

Picnics with pizza in Big Bill's parking lot
Made things a little better, and sure hit the spot.

Summer hikes were in vogue and distanced us socially,
Topping Mt. Yale with Ethan and Dylan was...
 ...you might say it was the high point of the year!  Totally!

After trips to the Royal Gorge and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo,
Realized suddenly it's time to go back to school!

In person at first, then once again by computer,
The three women were school telecommuters.

College writing for Keara, full slate for Kailei,
Chris helping teachers with tech problems daily

Kailei turned sixteen, finally now she can drive!
But there's not enough cars for this family to thrive.

The post office beckoned, and Keara responded,
Now over packages she and customers have bonded.

Then Chris took a trip east, to see Aunt Bernice,
Which ended in sadness, but truly with peace,

Thanksgiving was quiet, and Christmas is, too,
But now we've got time to think some things through,

And consider ourselves lucky that we all have each other.
Whether you're a cousin or friend, son, daughter or mother,

Or some combination that defies explanation,
Know that we love you, you bring us elation.

And finally now, we can say with delight,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!