Steven Helmer Publications

As far as snow goes in general, I can take it or leave it. But, when I walked outside yesterday, Christmas Eve, and looked around at all the grass, I must admit, it felt as though something was missing. So, I was kind of glad to look out my window this morning and see some of the white stuff falling down. So, as I watch the snow fall, I will take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May it be full of miracles for you.

Santa's elves Are sweet and kind Their hearts are open And they care about all mankind. Santa's elves Don't judge or hold grudges even when they are dissed. They are quick to understand and forgive Because they know there's always room on Santa's nice list. Image courtesy of Pixabay Santa's elves Remember those in need. They remember those who don't have anything And those who need stomachs and souls to feed. Santa's elves Remember, even when times are tough, it is important to spread Christmas cheer. So, maybe, just maybe, all of us Can strive to be Santa's elves this year.

May your holiday season Be blessed with magically white snow. May you arrive safely If you have some place to go. I hope you get to spend some time In front of a warm fire. Or, if you prefer to spend your time outdoors I hope you can spend as much time out there as you desire. Image courtesy of Pixabay May you experience a romantic kiss Under the mistletoe. May your heart be filled with gladness And Christmas' magical glow. I hope you wake up on Christmas morning With presents under the tree, even if it's just a few. But, I also hope you remember The REAL gifts are the family and friends celebrating with you. Image courtesy of Pixabay May you share stories and laughter And save the arguments for another day. May you take pleasure in each other's company And enjoy watching the children play. I hope you remember your time on this Earth is short And put your bygones in the past. I hope you remember to celebrate this ...

I woke up this morning With Hark the Herald Angels Sing in my head. And, for the first time in a while, I didn't mind getting out of bed. In the air, I can just feel it. A spirit of festiveness. As everyone around me prepares to celebrate And remember all the things with which they have been blessed . Image courtesy of Pixabay Our past transgressions are temporarily forgiven. The idea of putting others first comes to the front. Sure, we may still have all our problems a week from now. But, for a short while at least,  Peace on Earth is what everyone wants. Yes, Christmas is upon us. Our trees and homes, with decorations we are adorning. I'm a bit sad it only comes once per year. Because it sure made me glad I woke up this morning.

There’s just one more week Until Christmas break. There’s still so much to do And so much at stake. There are still presents to buy And Christmas cards to write. I still need to go to the store Which means I have crowds to fight. Image courtesy of Pixabay There’s just one more week Before Christmas break. There’s a meal I need to plan out And cookies that need to be baked. Not to mention The house is still a mess. How embarrassed I will be If I end up with unexpected guests. Image courtesy of Pixabay There’s just one more week Until Christmas break. And I really am looking forward To all the festivities in which I will partake. I just hope I can last that long Keeping up with everything from wrapping presents to washing the dishes in the sink. In fact, just thinking about that last week before Christmas break Has me craving a stiff drink. ____________________________________________________ Did you like this poem? Here are...

OK, to be fair, I am probably using the word "decorate" a little loosely.  But, I did climb two flights of stairs and went into a very cold attic to get the tree. And, in my defense, for all practical purposes, it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense to go overboard with the decorating. It's not like I get a lot of visitors. There's maybe a half dozen people who will see it between now and the time it gets put back in storage for another year.

What did we do to Christmas? A holiday season that was once filled with cheer Has become one that people don’t look forward to And approach with fear. How did we take a season That should make us think about the things with which we are blessed And turn it into a time of the year When all we think about is how much we are stressed? What did we do to Christmas? It used to be a time of great joy. Yet, today, all I hear people talking about is their lack of money And their greedy desire to obtain the newest toy. Image courtesy of Pixaba y Why did we turn a season That used to be so peaceful Into something That has become so commercial? What did we do to Christmas? Did we really forget what the holiday is about? Instead of something people look forward to each year It has become something many people can do without. Why did we turn a celebration Full of peace, love and the ability to seek refuge Into something that makes the average pers...

I was planning on just watching the local holiday parade and getting photos. However, I received an e-mail invite to ride with the mayor (because of my win in the "I Love Beaver Dam" photo contest) and decided to do it. It was definitely a different experience, especially since we were essentially leading the parade. But, overall, I think I enjoy watching them more than being in them. On another note, the float my youngest daughter was on, for her dance team, ended up taking second place. I'm not sure which one won.

I'm making sure to record A Charlie Brown Christmas when it is on TV tonight, though we probably won't get a chance to watch it until this weekend. It's something I try to do every year (I really should just get it on DVD or something) because it is still one of the few movies that, even as an adult, puts me in the Christmas spirit. My personal favorite from this cartoon is Linus reciting Luke 2:8-14. This has become even more so the past couple of years after having something very subtle but also very clever pointed out to me. Throughout the cartoon, a big deal is made about Linus and his security blanket and how he refuses to let go of it. Yet, when he recites his monologue he casually drops it on the ground as he says "fear not," as though saying he doesn't need his blanket to protect him because Christ is. It's an awesome moment and one that I make sure to remind my kids about every time we watch this now.

Look, I like Bing Crosby as much as the next person. He was one heck of a singer. But, we still have 6 days until Thanksgiving and, as far as I'm concerned, Christmas season doesn't (and shouldn't) start until after that. And, that includes Christmas music. It's bad enough I have to listen to it at some stores already (and, in their case, they can at least use the excuse they are trying to inspire people to spend more money). But, when it's only November 17th and I can't turn on my car radio without hearing almost non-stop holiday music, that's just too much. Stop trying to rush things.

The holiday wreath we ordered from the ice rink arrived earlier this week and, fearing it would turn brown if I tried to keep it inside for a week or two (not to mention, having to deal with all those needles), I decided to just hang it on our door. It needs to be fluffed a bit but I think it looks pretty nice. Maybe I can convince the rest of the family to just keep that as the only decoration on the house.