Seasonal Decor

‘Tis the season, trees atop
Vehicles, all racing home to set up
Living room holiday cheer.

Wreaths, lights, reindeers,
Inflated Santas, even,
If only occasional, so as

Not to make too much
A fuss, a star to stand 
For the sacred

Or a cross, but what I
Like best is the naive
Nativity, manger, baby,

Mother and magi, 
Father, shepherd and ass
Attending the birth.

I can recall the shudders
Such thoughts would elicit
In my immigrant grandparents

For whom this time of year,  and spring rebirth,
Agitated their hard-earned insecurities, 
Goyish violence too close at hand. 

This holiday wasn’t theirs.
Grandpa Nathan marked his birthday 
At Chanukah, although he was born

In October, we think, but the date
Change might have helped keep him
Distant from Czarist inspection.

The holiday isn’t mine either, but,
Unlike my forebearers, I’m grateful
That I can enjoy the trappings,

And even appreciate the sentiments. 
I pass on the theology, thank you, 
But we can all use more joy

In this world, and much more
Goodwill. So I’ll return the 
Greeting, even if I don’t own

What to a Jew is an incomprehensible
— The Infinite One incarnate. 
Regardless.  
Merry Christmas.  
Truly.  
Goodwill to all,
As God would will it.