Holiday Poetry

We're excited to share the stories that have been submitted for our Holiday edition of the Writes of Winter contest! We received nine submissions:

Remus' Christmas - Claire Brown

The Magic of City Hall - Kimberley Hughes

Downtown Christmas Shopping Delight - Barb Rusiewicz-Enright

A Christmas Poem - Adam LaGrange

Baby's First Christmas - Maria A. Nuñez

Our Christmas Tree - Jock Mackenzie

That First Snow - Courtney Avram

More Than a Season to Squeeze - Charlene Woit

Christmas in Red Deer - Lindsay I.R. Wiebe

Remus’ Christmas - Claire Brown

Remus the husky waited every year

With bated breath, and joyful cheer;

For the time of snow and fun

When he could watch the rabbits run.

He hoped so much to join the fray

But he never got his way.

Until one Christmas he did meet

A jolly man with a curious fleet.

Flying deers were something new

This was the challenge he wanted to pursue.

Oh, those deers wouldn’t stand a chance

Against this husky’s focused glance.

They took off, and he did follow

Biting off more than he could swallow.

For those deers were quiet and quick

Pulling their sleigh with a spritely St Nick.

Though Remus tumbled, he was still a good boy

And in the end Santa brought oh so many new toys.

As he looked up to the sky as they left that night;

Remus made his plans for their next year’s flight.



The Magic Of City Hall - Kimberley Hughes

I can’t help but smile through the eyes of a child

As I soak in the magic and wonder

Lights strung with care

Leaving not one inch bare

There's even a tunnel that goes under

5000 reasons to know that I’m blessed

And why living in Red Deer

Is simply the best

I have to lift my chin all the way to the sky

To take in all nine feet of frosty

All the glistening lights

On this beautiful night

It feels priceless

But nothing it cost me.



Downtown Children Shopping Delight - Barb Rusiewicz-Enright

Dead of Red Deer downtown winter

Beyond City Hall Park along Ross Street

Memory flash spark of light

Big brother taking the hand of his little sister

One long time ago snowy night

Jingle of downtown shop door bells

Welcoming in this happy child pair

Parents in quick step behind young siblings

Trailing in a doorstep whoosh of winter night air

Warmly lit space apple cinnamon cider beckons

Small shoppers with eyes darting and bright moving from shelf to shelf

Lined with treasures and twinkling lights looking for and finding in just seconds

Perfect presents for each other: gems drawn into velvet drawstring bag, snap coin wallet,

Rainbow color twig pencil crayon, bamboo miniature box holding teeny tiny cloth worry dolls

Surprise gifts quickly passed from child to parent hands to hide from brother or sister’s sight

Pride beaming with coins carefully counted out on counter top

Shopkeeper and child smiles exchanged

Shopping bags clutched tight in mitten hands step out into snowflakes dancing outside

Parents’ hearts full of joy taking in this child scene grins of delight

Streaming like lights from town lamp posts this magical Christmas time night

Young ones holding onto each other and their extra special surprise gifts for one another.



A Christmas Poem - Adam LaGrange


The day was short as light was scarce,
As children knelt at their beds,
To say their nightly prayers,
Before they laid down their heads,

The stars shine brightly in the night sky,
The winter air was cold and sharp,
As they tightly closed their eyes,
Waiting for Santa to make their stop,

The children were all asleep,
As his sleigh landed upon their roof,
You could not hear a peep,
As the man in red is so aloof,

Out of his sleigh and down the chimney,
To deliver presents and coal,
He fills each stocking simply.
Placing the gifts is the goal,

He gathers the toys in his sack,
Eating cookies and milk,
He has himself a little snack,
Trying not to spill on his suit of silk,

He delivers peace and joy,
Only one special night,
Making sure each child has a toy,
As he makes his flight,

He is almost done for this year,
As the sun creeps into the sky,
Everyone awakes full of love and cheer,
It’s only good night not good bye,

He’ll come once again,
Bring gifts to all,
Full of Christmas spirit we remain,
Until next Christmas’ haul!


Baby’s First Christmas by Maria A. Nunez

Baby's first Christmas
Snow everywhere!
She loves to look at the twinkling lights and reindeer.
She loves to decorate her Christmas tree, made of felt and Velcro.
At first, she was scared of Santa Claus,
But now he's her holiday pen pal.
Too young for cookies and eggnog treats,
Too young for hot chocolate and candy cane, or gingerbread feasts,
Just a few teeth.
This year, she'll celebrate the holiday with family.
And maybe her stuffed puppy and her will have a dance party!
She doesn't need presents,
She doesn't yet know what those are.
The best gift for her is love,
And mom and dad not being too far.
Whether old or new, a baby or 98,
May you have a Merry Christmas this holiday.

Too young to say, "Joyeux Noel" or "Feliz Navidad!"
As long as she's safe, cuddled, and warm in my arms,
That's all that I want.
This year, it's the littlest things that matter the most —
Her smile, ten fingers, and ten tiny toes,
Her rosy cheeks when out in the snow, and a cute button nose.
May this time be Merry for me and for you,
May you hold those you love close to you too.
And if not near, but far, or away,
Hold your loved ones in your heart this holiday.


Our Christmas Tree - Jock Mackenzie

December 30, 2007

Our Christmas tree holds the history
And the memories of our family.
Every ornament is a message sent
And we love what each one represents.

There’s the Santa Claus made of cookie dough
And the walnut mouse, and the man of snow
There are stars of string, a sock of felt
And the manger where the wise men knelt.

There’s the horse of cork little Jennie made
Jer’s drummer boy from the toy parade
Andy’s fisherman that he bought for me
Heather’s ginger boy, Katie’s Christmas tree.

Everybody sings as we place the strings
Of the faded paper garland rings.
Homemade things, some bought with care
Each and every one looks so special there.

Our Christmas tree holds the history
And the memories of our family
I wish every year we could gather here
Here to share this time of Christmas cheer.

But the kids have grown, now they’re on their own
Now there’s two of us here and all alone
When December comes we still trim the tree
And we reminisce very happily

We have had good times, we cannot complain
And our Christmas tree is our memory lane
Now a duo sings as we place the rings
Of the faded paper garland strings.

There’s the Santa Claus made of cookie dough
And the walnut mouse, and the man of snow
There are stars of string, a sock of felt
And the manger where the wise men knelt.

There’s the horse of cork little Jennie made
Jer’s drummer boy from the toy parade
Andy’s fisherman that he bought for me
Heather’s ginger boy, Katie’s Christmas tree.

Our Christmas tree holds the history
And the memories of our family
Every ornament is a message sent
And we love what each one represents.



That First Snow - Courtney Avram

Expectant chill fills the air, bundled nights await
That first snow

Soft silence waits for crisp crunch underfoot
That first snow

Hot cocoa radiates warmth between mittens
That first snow

Lights twinkle brightly amoungst the trees
That first snow

Holiday cheer builds through festive events
That first snow

Red Deer Lights the Nights
With that first snow



More Than a Season to Squeeze - Charlene Woit

Such sweet sparkles that cascade in the frosty early evening air,

Showing off brilliant lights that seem to illuminate and cast colour everywhere.

These dazzling colours that twinkle and shine,

Raising the festive spirit in all of us, by jolly design.

And music and laughing and hot cups of sweet chocolatey beverage,

To warm us again so we can continue on west, to our endeavor.

Under the canopy of glowing lights,

Which hang so cleverly in the happy children’s delights.

What a wonderful bit of chaos this festive gathering has mustered,

Storms and storms of families participate joyously, all tightly clustered.

From crystal sculptures that are frozen and icy and cold to the touch,

To celebrations ripe with family and song and food and drink and such.

Remember though to share your fervid and magical holiday dreams,

Because regrettably to some – this hasn’t become more than just a season to squeeze.



Christmas in Red Deer - Lindsay I.R. Wiebe

Oh, Christmas in our community, Red Deer, A time of joy and love that's so sincere. The spirit of giving fills the air, As neighbors come together, showing they care. We gather 'round with hearts full of cheer, Spreading kindness and warmth, year after year.

In Red Deer, the sense of community thrives, As we come together, our spirits alive. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights, Guiding us through the festive nights. From Candy Cane Lane to Winter Wonderland, The magic of Christmas is close at hand.

Families and friends, both young and old, Share laughter and stories, as the tales unfold. The sound of carolers fills the chilly night, Bringing melodies that fill us with delight. In our community, we lend a helping hand, Supporting those in need, taking a stand.

Food drives, toy collections, and acts of grace, We come together, making the world a better place. So let's embrace the joy that Christmas brings, And cherish the moments that make our hearts sing. In Red Deer's community, love shines bright, Wishing you a Merry Christmas, filled with pure delight.

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