Short Christmas Poems

Here’s a selection of short Christmas poems that’ll come in handy during the Christmas season.

Let Every Day Be Christmas

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself.

(Written by Norman W. Brooks)

A Christmas Wish

I’d like a stocking made for a giant,
And a meeting house full of toys,
Then I’d go out in a happy hunt
For the poor little girls and boys;
Up the street and down the street,
And across and over the town,
I’d search and find them everyone,
Before the sun went down.

(Written by Eugene Field)

A Song Was Heard At Christmas

A song was heard at Christmas
To wake the midnight sky:
A saviour’s birth, and peace on earth,
And praise to God on high.
The angels sang at Christmas
With all the hosts above,
And still we sing the newborn King
His glory and his love.

(Written by Timothy Dudley-Smith)

Christmas Past

Each Christmas I remember
The ones of long ago;
I see our mantelpiece adorned
With stockings in a row.

Each Christmas finds me dreaming
Of days that used to be,
When we hid presents here and there,
For all the family.

Each Christmas I remember
The fragrance in the air,
Of roasting turkey and mince pies
And cookies everywhere.

Each Christmas finds me longing
For Christmases now past,
And I am back in childhood
As long as memories last.

(Written by Carice Williams)

Candlelit Heart

Somewhere across the winter world tonight
You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;
Christmas extends its all-enfolding light
Across the distance…something we can share.

You will be singing, just the same as I,
These familiar songs we know so well,
And you will see these same stars in your sky
And wish upon that brightest one that fell.

I shall remember you and trim my tree,
One shining star upon the topmost bough;
I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see —
Tonight I glimpse beyond the hear and now.

And all the time that we must be apart
I keep a candle in my heart.

(Written by Mary E. Linton)

Christmas Is Here

A good time is coming, I wish it were here,
The very best time in the whole of the year;
I’m counting each day on my fingers and thumbs
the weeks that must pass before Santa Claus comes.

Then when the first snowflakes begin to come down,
And the wind whistles sharp and the branches are brown,
I’ll not mind the cold, though my fingers it numbs,
For it brings the time nearer when Santa Claus comes.

Christmas Is A Time For Love And Fun

Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and fun.

For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,
It’s time to give your heart to every one,

That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,

Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It’s time to give your heart to everyone,

For God loves all, and turns His back on none,
Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to give your heart to everyone. .

Sitting Under The Mistletoe

Sitting under the mistletoe
One last candle burning low,
All the sleepy dancers gone,
Just one candle burning on,
Shadows lurking everywhere:
Some one came, and kissed me there.

Tired I was; my head would go
Nodding under the mistletoe
No footsteps came, no voice, but only,
Just as I sat there, sleepy, lonely,
Stooped in the still and shadowy air
Lips unseen – and kissed me there.

The Stockings Are Hung

The stockings are hung,
the carols are being sung.
My heart is filled with joy,
along with every girl and boy.
It’s really hard to go to sleep,
you want to go and take a peep.
And, when you’re finally in bed,
visions of Santa dance in your head.

Your stockings are overflowing,
everyone’s face is glowing.
You must open family presents first,
you’re so excited you just might burst.
Then Santa’s are the next to go,
you tear off the wrapping and the bow.
You rip them open one by one,
seeing toy after toy, each filled with fun.

Once your thank-yous have been said,
you are definitely ready for bed.
You tell everyone good-night,
and your heart becomes light.
And while in bed,
the day dances in your head.
You thank the Lord for today,
while you slowly drift away.

There’s More to Christmas

There’s More to Christmas…
There’s more, much more to Christmas
Than candle-light and cheer;
It’s the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all the year;
It’s thoughtfulness and kindness,
It’s hope reborn again,
For peace, for understanding
And for goodwill to men!

Merry Christmas To The One I Love

Merry Christmas to the one I love,
Even on this day of love for all,
Remembering the love of one whose call
Redeemed all those whose hearts his love might move.
Yet only one love does my spirit prove,
Chosen in a passion like a squall,
Having in such ecstasy withal
Rejoiced in what we were created of.
In such love do we find our way outdoors,
So to be drawn to love of flesh and soul,
Traveling beyond our village green,
Moving towards the wash along our shores
As our love joins the greater love unseen,
Shining with dark passion on the whole.

When Santa Claus Comes

A good time is coming, I wish it were here,
The very best time in the whole of the year;
I’m counting each day on my fingers and thumbs —
the weeks that must pass before Santa Claus comes.

Little Pine Tree

In summertime my branches were a place for birds to nest,
In autumn my branches were their place for food and rest,
And now that wintertime is here, I hope to be all glistening
bright with snowflakes…
The little birds’ Christmas tree!

A Christmas Tree

One little star on the top of the tree,
Two little presents underneath for me,
Three silver ropes twisted around the tree,
Four colored lights shining prettily,
Five shining balls flowing silvery.
Oh, what a sight for use to see!

Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS hath darkness
Brighter than the blazing noon,
Christmas hath a chillness
Warmer than the heat of June,
Christmas hath a beauty
Lovelier than the world can show:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.
Earth, strike up your music,
Birds that sing and bells that ring;
Heaven hath answering music
For all Angels soon to sing:
Earth, put on your whitest
Bridal robe of spotless snow:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.

(Written by Christina Rossetti)

Christmas Wreaths

Our Christmas wreaths are fat and round,
Made of the woodsy things we found.
We tied brown cones upon the green,
And stuck red berries in between.
Upon the wreath on our front door,
We tied red ribbon from the store.

Santa

Two merry blue eyes
A very little nose
A long snowy beard
And cheeks like a rose
A round chubby man
A big bulging pack
Hurrah for Old Santa
We’re glad he’s come back!

I’ve Been Waiting For Christmas

I’ve been waiting for Christmas,
And it’s almost here.
I’ve been waiting for Christmas,
Santa’s getting near.

Can’t you hear the sleigh bells ringing?
Reindeer up so high.
Can’t you hear the children singing,
As they watch the sky?

Bethlehem Of Judea

A little child,
A shining star.
A stable rude,
The door ajar.

Yet in that place,
So crude, folorn,
The Hope of all
The world was born.

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’

(Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

The Meaning Of Christmas

Far away in Bethlehem, a Baby Boy was born;
Born with neither riches nor with fame,
Yet Wise Men came from all around to bring to Him their gifts,
And peace was felt by all who heard His name.

Angels watched Him as He slept, and gently rocked His bed;
Their voices singing softly in His ear;
His Mother and His Father both gave thanks to God above
For the greatest gift of all, their Son, so dear

They knew His life upon this earth would not be filled with wealth,
They also knew He would encounter strife;
But most of all, they knew that He would be a loving Child,
And teach the love of God throughout His life.

At Christmas, as we celebrate this Birth of Jesus Christ,
Let’s keep in mind the truth of Christmas Day;
For it’s not the Christmas wrappings, nor the gifts that lie within,
But our gift of love to others in every way…

Christmas Secrets

I know so many secrets
Such secrets full of fun;
But if you hear my secrets,
Please don’t tell anyone.
Here are some lights that twinkle,
Here is an ornament.
Here is a great big present
From Grandpa it was sent.
And on the very tip-tip top,
An angel you can see,
What is the secret? Can’t you tell?
Why, it’s a Christmas tree!

Wishing

(A Child at the Crib)–

It’s very cold tonight, dear God,
I wish You had a coat
Of thickest fur
To keep You warm.

But, Jesus, you have her-
Your Mother dear-
To hold You tight
With her arms
This Christmas night.

(Mary to the Child)–

Tis you are cold, dear little one;

Your feet are wet with snow
And you have come a long, long way;
Jesus has told me so.
A coat of fur you wished for Him,
But greater will He do.
My Babe, the very Lamb of God,
Will give Himself to you.

(Written by Agnes Mary)

Mom Is Making Christmas

Cookies baking in the kitchen-
The smell floats through the air;
Mom is making Christmas
with her usual merry flair

The house she gaily decorated,
Each gift she stiched with love,
And we’ll gather around the Christmas tree
for an evening of old-fashioned fun

This evening she’ll sing a carol for us
With her angel’s voice.
Yes, Mom is making Christmas-
A true reason to rejoice

(Written by Vicky A. Luong)

Manger Song

Young Mary the Mother
Gazed fondly at Him,
And softly fingered
The manger’s rim.

St. Joseph sat musing
On a bundle of hay,
The shepherds played sweetly
A bagpipe lay.

The angels stood smiling
In heaven’s joy
And humbly adoring
The infant Christ-boy.

The ox and the donkey
Forgot the fresh straw
And knelt down in wonder
At what they saw.

The walls were shining
Like molten gold,
The winds sang gaily
Around the fold.

And gleaming silver
Strewed every star,
And sang a star greeting
From heaven afar.

(Written by Frederick M. Lynk)

Santa’s Lap

I like to visit Santa Claus
When Christmastime is near.
It’s fun to climb up on his lap
And whisper in his ear.

He says, “My dear, have you been good?
Have you done what Mother said you should?
Do you brush your teeth and hair each day?
Are you kind to others when you play?

I listen to each question
And answer every one.
Although I am ashamed to say
I must say no to some.

But Santa never scares me;
He doesn’t even scold.
He just says, “Try again, my dear,
You’re a fine lad, I am told.”

Gee, I like to visit Santa Claus
When Christmastime is near.
It’s fun to climb up on his lap
And whisper in his ear…

The Gift of God

There was seen a radiance
Glowing one night
Near the little maiden Mary
In blue and white.

“Lilies are not fairer,
“Roses more red,
Than the Child she sings to slumber,”
An angel said.

So the shepherds ventured
Through the white cold,
And their eyes beheld the Infant,
An hour old.

Long they gazed and wondered,
Awkward in awe,
At the paramount perfection
Within their straw.

“Diamonds are but trifles!
“Rubies no gem!”
Cried the hearts that slaved for pittance
Near Bethlehem.

So it was forever,
After the night
When the little maiden Mary
Wore blue and white.

(Written by Mary Fabyan Windeatt)

May This Christmas Be the First of Many

May this Christmas be the first of many,
Each more joyous in our growing love,
Revealing more of happiness than any
Riches might provide or pain remove.
Years flow like an unrepentant river,
Carrying the soil of life away,
Holding far more than they can deliver,
Rushing past the certitudes that stay.
In love there is an instance of forever
So shy and lovely it eludes the eye,
The sense of being home when we’re together,
More enduring than a reason why.
As love is born of passion, borne by will,
So may for many years we choose love still.

O Bethlehem Star keep shining –
give us faith and hope and love.
Keep our thoughts forever turning
to the Savior up above.
Give us strength and hope and courage
to do our best by far
And never falter in our faith
as we watch that Christmas star…

With This Candle

Where there is light,
there is hope.
Where there is friendship –
peace and truth.
Christmas is a time
for celebrating the special people
in our lives.
When I cannot find my way,
I light a flame.
And at Christmas . . .

I think of you.

Wonder

There is faint music in the night,
And pale wings fanned by silver flight;
A frosty hill with tender glow
Of countless stars that shine on snow.
A shelter from the winter storm,
A straw-lined manger, safe and warm,
And Mary crooning lullabies,
To hush her Baby’s sleepy sighs.
Her eyes are rapt upon His Face,
Unheeded here is time and space;
Her heart filled with blinding joy,
For God’s own Son–her little Boy!

(Written by Nancy Buckley)

Christmas Lights

Bright Christmas stars shine on high,
Golden stars in the wint’ry sky;
Christmas candles in windows bright
Send s greeting into the night;
While in our hearts the Christmas flame,
Glows with a love like his who came,
The infant Christ of lowly birth,
To bring good will and peace to earth.

(Written by Marie Irish)

The Dear Old Tree

There’s a dear old tree–an evergreen tree
And it blossoms once a year
‘Tis loaded with fruit from top to root
And brings to all good cheer.

For its blossoms bright are candles white
And its fruits are dolls and toys
And they all are free for both you and me
If we’re good little girls and boys!

(Written by Luella Wilson Smith)

Christmas Giving

Christmas is for giving
And for showing that we care,
For honoring the Christ Child
With the loving gifts we share.

The wise men gave of riches;
The shepherds, faith and love.
Each gift, in its own measure,
Was smiled on from above.

Let every gift be treasured;
Not always size or price
Determines the extent of love
And willing sacrifice

Handsome gifts with festive trim
Bring smiles of sweet content,
But modest gifts of humble means
are ofttimes heaven sent.

Whether it be large or small,
Each gift will share in part
The message of true Christmas joy
If given from the heart!

(Written by Iris W. Bray)

Little Tree

Little tree
Little silent Christmas tree
You are so little
You are more like a flower

Who found you in the green forest
And were you very sorry to come away?
See I will comfort you.
Because you smell so sweetly

I will kiss your cool bark
And hug you safe and tight
Just as your mother would
Only don’t be afraid.

Look the spangles
That sleep all year in the dark box
Dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine
The balls the red and gold the fluffy threads

Put up your little arms
And I will give them all to you to hold
Every finger shall have its ring
And there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy

When you are quite dressed
You’ll stand in the window for everyone to see
And how they’ll stare
Oh but you will be very proud

And my little sister and I will take hands
And looking at our beautiful tree
We’ll dance and sing.

(Written by E.E. Cummings)

Hang Up The Baby’s Stocking

Hang up the baby’s stocking
Be sure you don’t forget!
The dear little dimpled darling,
She never saw Christmas yet!
But I’ve told her all about it,
And she opened her big blue eyes;
And I’m sure she understood it-
She looked so funny and wise.

Dear, what a tiny stocking!
It doesn’t take much to hold
Such little pink toe’s as baby’s
Away from the frost and the cold
But then, for the baby’s Christmas,
It will never do at all.
Why! Santa wouldn’t be looking
For anything half so small.

I know what I will do for the baby.
I’ve thought of the very best plan.
I’ll borrow a stocking of Grandma’s,
The longest that ever I can
And you’ll hang it by mine, dear mother,
Right here in the corner so!
And leave a letter to Santa,
And fasten it in the toe.

Write-this is the baby’s stocking,
That hangs in the corner here.
You never have seen her, Santa,
For she only came this year
But she’s just the blessed’st baby.
And now before you go,
Just cram her stocking with goodies,
From the top clean down to the toe!

(Written by Emily Huntington Miller)

Happy Days

The bells in town are ringing,
‘Tis Christmas time, we know;
But not a sound of the bells we hear
Out across the shifting snow.
Across the wind-swept prairie,
Where the wild chinook winds blow.

‘Tis Christmas night, and we’re far away
From all we love and know,
But faces are bright, and hearts are light;
Outside is the drifting snow.
And we talk, and laugh, and sing with joy,
Out where the chinooks blow.

It’s Christmas night, and they drink a toast
To the loved one, far away;
One to the boys from the sunny South,
And one for the old range ways;
But the one we all love best of all
When they call out “Happy Days.”

‘Tis Christmas night on the old wild range,
And the Northern Lights aglow,
Dance o’er the grim grey cut-banks,
And down on the drifting snow.
And the coyote sneaks by the frozen creeks,
And the wolf calls long and low,
But the toast on the range is “Happy Days,”
Far out where the riders go.

(Written by Rhoda Sivell)

In Lollypop Land

In lollypop land, there’s a peppermint sea
‘Neath the beautiful shade of a chewing gum tree.
The grass that grows there is a spearmint green,
And the blue of the sky is a heaven supreme.
You walk in the sand that is sugary white;
There are candy-tipped stars that shine
down through the night.

In lollypop land there’s a fairy so sweet-
Just a calico queen, all shiny and neat,
A gingerbread house and a rock candy lane
With a red and white fence made of peppermint cane;
An orange-flavored moon, by a cotton fluff cloud,
And gay little elves who are happy and proud.

In lollypop land there’s a marshmallow snow,
And the scent of perfume in the breezes that blow.
It’s a little girl’s dream, and a small boy’s delight,
A Santa Claus land from morning till night-
A beautiful smile, and a kind helping hand,
And every day’s Christmas in lollypop land.

(Written by Garnett Ann Shultz)

Smells of Christmas

I love the smell of Christmas,
along with all the lights.
Log fires in the fire place,
on those cold winter nights.

The smell of Christmas goodies,
that are baked with tender care.
The smell is just the greatest,
there’s nothing to compare.

The evergreen’s so fragrant,
the smell of Christmas season.
Like the hanging of mistletoe,
thats done for a good reason.

The red berries of the holly,
in that arrangement on the table.
Which I’m sure is much better ,
then Christmas in that stable.

Poinsettia’s all around,
to balance off the garland.
Music boxes everyplace,
bought by my sweet darlin’.

Cinnamon and Peppermint,
fills the air thats in our house.
And what is stirring in the night,
is not the Christmas mouse.

Those pies that make me drool,
just sitting there on that shelf.
Is as if they were made special,
for that jolly old Christmas elf.

(Written by Bernard Howe)

Christmas Time

Christmas time is here again,
Children’s laughter and
Christmas carol’s floating through the air
I close my eyes and try to remember
My very first Christmas.

Presents and toys all around the tree
We all know tonight Santa’s
Coming down the chimney,
But what does Christmas really mean?
Christmas is more than toys or trees
It’s about being with families
And sharing memories.

It is at this time of the year
We are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas
That is the birth of Christ
And on this very special day
I’d like to wish everyone
A very Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year.

Christmas Greetings

(From A Fairy To A Child)

Lady dear, if Fairies may
For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
‘Tis at happy Christmas-tide.

We have heard the children say –
Gentle children, whom we love –
Long ago, on Christmas Day,
Came a message from above.

Still, as Christmas-tide comes round,
They remember it again –
Echo still the joyful sound
“Peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Yet the hearts must childlike be
Where such heavenly guests abide:
Unto children, in their glee,
All the year is Christmas-tide!

Thus, forgetting tricks and play
For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
Merry Christmas, glad New Year!

(Written by Lewis Carroll)

Falling Snow

See the pretty snowflakes
Falling from the sky;
On the walk and housetops
Soft and thick they lie.

On the window-ledges
On the branches bare;
Now how fast they gather,
Filling all the air.

Look into the garden,
Where the grass was green;
Covered by the snowflakes,
Not a blade is seen.

Now the bare black bushes
All look soft and white.
Every twig is laden-
What a pretty sight!

There’s more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It’s the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It’s thoughtfulness and kindness, It’s hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!

Let us keep Christmas beautiful
Without a thought of greed,
That it might live forevermore
To fill our every need,

That it shall not be just a day,
But last a lifetime through,
The miracle of Christmastime
That brings God close to you.

(Written by Garnett Ann Schultz)

Somehow not only for Christmas
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others
Is the joy that comes back to you.

And the more you spend in blessing
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart’s possessing
Returns to make you glad.

(Written by John Greenleaf Whittier)

The merry family gatherings –
The old, the very young;
The strangely lovely way they
Harmonize in carols sung.
For Christmas is tradition time
Traditions that recall
The precious memories down the years,
The sameness of them all.

(Written by Helen Lowrie Marshall)

Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display–so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn’t the holly, it isn’t the snow. It isn’t the tree not the firelight’s glow. It’s the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.

Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing:
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.
Let us get back our childlike faith again.

(Written by Grace Noll Crowell)

When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow,
We hear sweet voices ringing from lands of long ago,
And etched on vacant places
Are half-forgotten faces
Of friends we used to cherish, and loves we used to know.

(Written by Ella Wheeler Wilcox)

When the song of the angel is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost–To heal the broken–To feed the hungry–
To release the prisoner–To rebuild the nations–
To bring peace among brothers and sisters–
To make music in the heart.

(Written by Howard Thurman)

Your friendship is a glowing ember
Through the year; and each December
From its warm and living spark
We kindle flame against the dark
And with its shining radiance light
Our tree of faith on Christmas night.

(Written by Thelma J. Lund)

Christmas is a holiday for friends,
However they may be, or not, related.
Remember that the three wise kings were strangers
In search of one remote, uncanny dream.
So may we all be far more than we seem,
Together bound for dark and haunting changes,
More lovely for the loves we have created
Along the lonely paths from means to ends,
Stumbling towards that star of Bethlehem.

How lovely ’tis to take this time
To greet our dearest friends,
To wish them health and happiness
Before the old year ends.

Darkness comes late afternoon
And winter lies ahead,
But friendship is a glowing fire
When all seems cold and dead.

Just as in some vacant barn,
Unnoticed in the night,
The whole of human history turns,
So we, too, make things right.

We must keep alive the flame
Though darkness grip the Earth;
For in the love we find in friends
Is our chance for rebirth.

Miracles have a way of making news.
Even skeptics stare at parted seas.
Religious or not–Christians, Muslims, Jews–
Resurrection brings them to their knees!
Years ago, miracles were in vogue:
Christ and Moses wowed the willing crowds;
Holy icons healed both saint and rogue;
Rare wonders were ascribed to cups and shrouds.
In our time miracles are everyday,
So few can hope to grab us, or astound.
The mysteries that clutter up our way
May seem much more perplexing than profound.
And yet life is miraculous: to be
Surpasses any wonder we might see.

Though this may be our Christmas last,
It is a time of cheer.
We dance within a theater vast,
Yet live from year to year.

All that we have shared remains
Within when we are gone,
Just as a house, though long since dust,
Might well remain a home.

And so we lift this glass of joy
Once more on Christmas Eve,
For time ought not such times destroy,
Nor gifts untimely leave.

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