Christmas Memories

Lynsey Rozee, one of our lovely carers and a friend of Essex Carers Support, shared her Christmas poem with us to share with you. 

Christmas Memories 

You hung my stocking up with care, 

So I might find it hanging there, 

Once Santa's visited our home this year, 

Eaten his mince pie, leaving crumbs, 

Drunk his fizzy drink, 

You watch my little face light up with you, 

Smiling lovingly down at me, 

Holding my hand, 

I'm growing up, feeling awkward, 

Not yet comfortable in my skin, 

Embarrassed by childhood traditions, 

I cringe, 

As you hang up the stockings with care, 

A memory stirs, 

You cuddling me close, 

As we look at our reflection, 

In the shiny Christmas ball, 

I smile, 

Adulthood arrives, 

We now work together, 

Creating magic for the younger generation, 

Hanging their stockings up with care, 

Their excitement infectious, 

Family times together, 

Precious memories made for the future, 

New traditions begin, changes made, 

Still our stockings are hung, 

A tradition held onto throughout the years, 

Just like our own personal memories 

Cherished in our heart, 

I still hang your stocking every year, 

Even though I’m not sure you know its there, 

So many forgotten memories, 

So many blanks,  

Sometimes you know me sometimes you don’t, 

But you recognise the music, 

It makes you smile, 

As long as you’re happy, 

That’s all that matters to me, 

I placed your stocking by your chair, 

This year, 

Even though I know you’re no longer here, 

It doesn’t feel right to leave it bare, 

I need to feel you are here with me, 

I’m getting used to being alone now, 

Even though Christmas will never feel the same again, 

Your stocking still hangs on the fireplace, 

There’s a new ornament on my tree, 

In memory of you, 

A shiny rainbow bauble, 

Today as I hang it on the tree, 

I stop and stare into it, 

I see my reflection, and you are there at my shoulder, 

I smile through my tears, 

I knew you’d be here with me, 

Just like you always were, 

I whisper loud enough for you to hear, 

As I feel you hold me tight, 

Love you forever Mum.