Her mother said, “You are the gift,”
her father said, “That’s true.”
But still, at 6, she was grown up,
should do what grown- ups do.

She thought that she could finger paint.
They so much loved her art.
Perhaps a Valentine – like shape,
to show she shared her heart?

But something special for this day,
just like that story old,
to show that Love was season’s gift,
alas—-without the gold.

She asked the dog what she should give,
he gave a kiss so quick.
She asked the shoe box sleeping cat,
what kitty thought of it.

And then—– it came —-like all great thoughts—
a flash! And answer’s clear!
She found some ribbon—-grabbed  shoe box
and made her gift so dear.

On Christmas morn she loved her gifts,
then shyly went to get,
her ribbon wrapped shoe box filled gift
that they would not forget.

Her parents took the ribbon off,
and opened carefully,
and  inside ——–there was nothing there!
Their child smiled happily!

“It’s something always that you need,
for every morning too,
but if I’m sick, or still asleep,
it still will work for you!”

“I kissed inside the box a lot,
there’s kisses every where!
So when you need a kiss from me,
reach in — and one is there!”

And so her parents reached right in
and kisses filled the air,
and Peace on Earth— which was her gift—
it sparkled  everywhere!

And on it lived, that shoe box gift,
it’s working still, I’d  say.
For kisses  are a gift of love—-
like Christmas—- every day!