going along for the ride

i always

wondered why people of

a different faith,

or no faith

at all

put up a Christmas tree

for Christmas.

they nail a wreathe to

the door,

exchange gifts

and hang

stockings

on the mantle.

they string lights around

the house.

They don't believe in

God,

or that Jesus

is the Son of God,

savior of the world,

but they go along

with the festivities just

the same.

why, because it's fun?

the singing, the food,

the opening of presents,

the office party,

the punch bowl

full of rum.

my father who never

stepped inside a church

or prayed,

used to win the neighborhood

Christmas yard decorating

prize

every year.

he called religion a bunch

of malarky, but

there were the three wise men

in his yard, a manger,

the baby Jesus,

Mary and Jospeh,

colored lights

and elves, Santa on his

sleigh and behind him

all those reindeer.