Snow Flakes

A little icy snowflake falling to the ground,

as big Bob saw it he said: "Now did they get found?"

I said: "I don't know but they do go slow."

If I were a snowflake falling into the snow

where will the next place I'll go?

Aaron Turner, aged ten, Catterick.

All Wrapped Up

A snowflake falls, cold snap in the air

Little eyes waken, joy is everywhere

Larger than life, bouncing deep inside you.

We parcel our thoughts address them to you

Relationships we foster sends goodwill

Adopts a merry dance, solves your winter chill

Provoke a response, to light up your flame

Plenty satisfaction, more of the same

Enjoyment sure to be the dominant force

Dines at your table, finishes each course.

Unforgettable, the festive season

Prestige yours, everlasting and pleasing.

John Neal, Chester-le-Street.

Santa Down The Chimney

On Christmas Eve go to sleep

Beware and don't make a peep

'Cos then you'll hear him creep

It's Santa down the stairs.

He's laying out presents in a row,

His coat is covered in snow

And his brown eyes gleam and glow

It's Santa.

Shh. He's coming up the stairs

I hear him crunching chocolate pears

He's laying out Teddy Bears

Shh. It's Santa.

Then his reindeer come in

I hear the bells going ring, ring

And then I hear Santa sing

Goodbye and Merry Christmas.

Sophie Vickers, aged eight, Tudhoe.

Christmas Past

Do you remember the Christmas of many years ago?

Real holly round the picture frames, a kiss 'neath the mistletoe.

Turkey was a luxury, so was Christmas cake

With marzipan and icing that mother used to bake.

Trifle, too, was once a year, also were mince pies

Home cooked tongue and pickles, a feast before our eyes.

The presents that we used to give, usually quite small

Placed beneath the Christmas tree, standing in the hall.

And after present opening, we went to church on Christmas morn

To sing carols and our praises about Jesus Christ being born.

Later on, a party with games that were such fun,

Gathering round the piano before the night was done.

We'd wish each other greetings full of sincere joy and cheer

Wouldn't it be nice now if goodwill could last all year?

Jean Allaway, Darlington.

The Christmas Birthday

Listen to the church bells ring,

Come along and we will sing.

Look up yonder see the star,

Shining on the stable far.

Come to church on Christmas day,

Come to church and we will pray,

For the wonder of the birth

That gave us Christmas Day.

Among the cows and goats and sheep,

There you'll see the babe asleep,

Angels watching at the birth

Saw Lord Jesus come to earth.

On his birthday come and bring,

A present for our Lord and King.

What to bring the Lord of all,

Bring your love when you call.

Years and years have come and gone,

Now He sits upon a throne

Watching us upon the earth,

Celebrate His wondrous birth.

Come to church on Christmas Day,

Come to church and we will pray

For the wonder of the birth

That gave us Christmas Day.

Mary Bell, Easington Colliery.

Ray Mallon is on holida