‘Twas the Night Before a Single Moms’ Christmas by Jennifer Maggio

Single Momma, you are seen. You are loved. You are valued and treasured. There are many who pray for you, including The Life of a Single Mom team. I hope this poem brings laughter (and maybe a tear or two), as you reflect on what really matters this holiday season!

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the place,
Only mom was stirring, as she washed her tired face.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that something good might soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Phones & IPads danced in their heads;
And momma rushed and rushed about – to and fro,
Scrubbing the floors, and then….the commode.
Mom quickly moved to the very next task.
It was the laundry, dishes, and then…the trash.
She paused for a moment for one bite of supper.
Then, back at it again, with no one to help her.
After her house was spic and span,
She rushed to the kitchen – recipe in hand.
She pulled out the flour, the sugar, and milk,
In no time, she’d have this cake built.
As she whipped & mixed, then placed in the oven,
Chores mounted & mounted…six….maybe seven?
She sang and smiled, as she completed her list,
Knowing this special day couldn’t be missed!
Sweat rolled down her face, as she tended each detail;
Smiling with glee at what tomorrow entailed.
She rushed to the closet and pulled out a bag,
With only one small gift per child to be had.
She pulled out the tape, the bows, and the paper.
And slowly wrapped each – with love and favor.
She paused for a moment, as tears hit the floor.
If only, she prayed, she could do more!
After hours and hours of each lowly task,
The mom hit the pillow and finally collapsed.
She awoke early morning, coffee in hand,
As happy kiddos walked…and then ran!
Excited they were, as they opened gifts with zeal,
And hugged mom’s neck and let out a squeal!
As each hustled around and played with their toy,
Mom grabbed the Bible for this Christmas story.
As she read aloud, each kid was amazed…
They leaned in, and listened, with their eyes all a-glaze.
This love that she shared of the Jesus she knew,
They all quickly realized, it was enough for this crew.
As she finished the reading and closed the book,
Tears filled her eyes, as she gave each a look.
She proclaimed her love for every child – each one,
And tears flowed down, by the time she was done.
Tears flowed from exhaustion and overwhelm and joy,
The love that she felt for her girls and her boy!
It could only be explained by the love of a Father,
Who loved us enough, to send us a Savior.
And this mom took a deep breath and dried her tears.
As she realized, her Savior had sustained her for years.
She grabbed her kiddos, and rushed to the kitchen.
After a warm meal, the kids silently listened.
Mom grabbed the cake and lit it a-glow.
Happy Birthday to Jesus, the words start to flow.
This is everything I need, she knew with all her might,
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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