This year we’re getting a real Christmas tree, a first time for you but the first of many

You should have seen the tree we had as kids, tinsel and paper chains, sparkly things

Mum would collect all the artwork we did, date it, display it, like a gallery would

She’d tell you the story behind every piece, home made decorations made that tree sing

It’s the simple acts we do

The same every year, because you’re all here

Traditions we all make

The ones we entertain, even though they’re a pain

It’s the generosity

Have you seen someone’s face, opening what you gave

Remember you are made

Of all of the ways that kindness has been shown to you

We’d use pillow cases instead of stockings, we’d hope for presents that were on our lists

We’d watch the carols late on TV, our parents would say “go to bed you need sleep”

I’d wake up earlier than everyone else, unusual for me but I’d sprint through the house

Finding the presents meant Santa had been, our parents smiled but their yawns were so big

It’s the simple acts we do

The same every year, because you’re all here

Traditions we all make

The ones we entertain, even though they’re a pain

It’s the generosity

Have you seen someone’s face, opening what you gave

Remember you are made

Of all of the ways that kindness has been shown to you

Early in the morning cooking would begin, rushing round the kitchen over catering

The extended family would roll in for lunch, some of those people we didn’t see much

Our uncle would bring someone we’d never met, our parents made sure there were presents for them

Now I’m the one putting on Christmas for you, finally understand the effort they went to

It’s the simple acts we do

The same every year, because you’re all here

Traditions we all make

The ones we entertain, even though they’re a pain

It’s the generosity

Have you seen someone’s face, opening what you gave

Remember you are made

Of all of the ways that kindness has been shown to you