December by K. Pyle
On Christmas day, when fires were lit,
And all our breakfasts done,
We spread our toys out on the floor
And played there in the sun.
The nursery smelled of Christmas tree,
And under where it stood
The shepherds watched their flocks of sheep,
– All made of painted wood.
Outside the house the air was cold
And quiet all about,
Till far across the snowy roofs
The Christmas bells rang out.
But soon the sleigh-bells jingled by
Upon the street below,
And people on the way to church,
Went crunching through the snow.
We did not quarrel once all day;
Mamma and Grandma said
They liked to be in where we were,
So pleasantly we played.
I do not see how any child
Is cross on Christmas day,
When all the lovely toys are new,
And everyone can play.
The wonderful old fashioned Christmas poem is from the December 1890 issue of St. Nicholas magazine.
Click on images to enlarge.
Edwina Brown says
December 1, 2015 at 12:20 pmI love this poem. Thank you so much. Edwina Brown
Julie J says
December 2, 2015 at 1:30 pmYou’re welcome Edwina. 🙂
Wendy A. says
December 24, 2016 at 1:59 amThis sweet poem was also illustrated by the poet, who is a sister to the famous illustrator/writer, Howard Pyle. Katharine Pyle wrote endearing storybooks for children, the best of which is a wonderful treat called, “The Counterpane Fairy.” Thanks for posting this poem of hers!
~ Wendy
Julie J says
December 24, 2016 at 10:40 amYou’re welcome Wendy. And thank you for sharing the additional, interesting, information!