HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

ON GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

by Edgar A. Guest

He little knew the sorrow that was in his vacant chair;

He never guessed they'd miss him, or he'd surely have been there;

He couldn't see his mother or the lump that filled her throat,

Or the tears that started falling as she read his hasty note;

And he couldn't see his father, sitting sorrowful and dumb,

Or he never would have written that he thought he couldn't come.

He little knew the gladness that his presence would have made,

And the joy it would have given, or he never would have stayed.

He didn't know how hungry had the little mother grown

Once again to see her baby and to claim him for her own.

He didn't guess the meaning of his visit Christmas Day

Or he never would have written that he couldn't get away.

He couldn't see the fading of the cheeks that once were pink,

And the silver in the tresses; and he didn't stop to think

How the years are passing swiftly, and next Christmas it might be

There would be no home to visit and no mother dear to see.

He didn't think about it - I'll not say he didn't care.

He was heedless and forgetful or he'd surely have been there.

Are you going home for Christmas? Have you written you'll be there?

Going home to kiss the mother and to show her that you care?

Going home to greet the father in a way to make him glad?

If you're not I hope there'll never come a time you'll wish you had.

Just sit down and write a letter - it will make their heart strings hum

With a tune of perfect gladness - if you'll tell them that you'll come.

~ Lyrics To The Old Christmas Song We All Grew to Love ~

There's No Place like Home for the Holiday

Oh there's no place Like home for the holidays

'Cause no matter how far away you roam

If you long for the sunshine and a friendly gaze

For the holidays you can't Beat home sweet home

I met a man Who lived in Tennessee

And he was looking for Pennsylvania

And some homemade pumpkin pie

Now in Pennsylvania folks Are travelling

Down to Dixie's sunny shore

The Atlantic to Pacific

Oh, the season is terrific

Oh, there's no place like Home for the holidays

For the holidays you can't Beat home sweet home

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