Today I'm feeling a little grey

My Christmas cheer is wearing thin

So i'm baking gingerbread

With Nat King Cole, lifting up my chin.

I think I'm mourning Christmases past

Reminiscing old traditions gone

The little things, the big things

The gatherings, the love withdrawn.

Today I'm feeling a bit fragile

I'd love nothing more than to be with family

My mother's hug, her homemade trifle

My pa's hug, eating sausage rolls happily.

I'd love to share mince pies with friends

Watch Christmas films together

Talk about our new years dreams

Sipping mulled punch in the cold weather.

But remembering to be grateful

Though it feels extra difficult today

There is magic that surrounds me

Whether or not I'm feeling okay.

The smell of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg

It's swirling all around me

And when the festive shapes have cooled

We can share it with warm milk and tea

And so I suppose I know it'll get better

When the littles are back and see

Those little shaped gingerbread

They'll be excited, happy as can be.

And their cheery content faces

Will lift my spirits a bit higher

Soon it will feel less of a challenge

To relight my inner fire.