In those years when the thermostat
was set at sixty-five,
leaves on the ground,
snow flocked on the branches of huge trees,
we sat wrapped in blankets in a semicircle
at the spread of a thin pine
dotted with large colored lights,
sipping hot chocolate bouncing
with marshmallows
in mugs that did not match
in size, color or shape
Even with a pair of socks,
a package of underwear,
a belt or a stocking cap,
gloves or earmuffs
and a game or two to share,
we swore we heard Santa
during the night
thumping on the roof
The best gift was
mommy laughing