A Christmas Gift

Inspired by a humanitarian act witnessed by Ray J. Whittier, "A Christmas Gift" became the basis of and the title poem for his first self-published book.

"A Christmas Gift" is a collection of holiday poems from the lived life, heart, mind, and eyes of Lynn Poet Laureate, Ray J. Whittier. These poems capture classic snowy December New England coastal tales and the subtle and simple moments all year round that embody the spirit of Christmas.

These recordings were found and remastered after Ray's passing in June 2024. They capture just a few of the hundreds of poems found in the pages of his self-published book, "A Christmas Gift".

May his words and the sound of his voice bring joy and comfort to the countless friends and loved ones who knew him best. And if you're a stranger listening on a cold, December night nestled by your fire amongst the glow of twinkling lights, we hope you find a friend in them, too.

Merry Christmas.

Dedicated to Shirley Whittier, wife and loving mother of 64 years, and to Raymond and his wife Susan of Stratham, NH, Daniel and his wife Mary Ellen of Stratham, NH, and Mark and his wife Maria of Beverly; his daughters Denise Benevento and her husband Vincent of Stratham, NH, Mary Jean Raimo and her husband Michael of Beverly, Paula Funk and her husband Norman of Chaplin, CT, and Christine Moganelli and her husband Michael of Lynn; his brother John and his wife Karen of Fredericksburg, VA, his sister Judith McBriarty and her late husband John of Milford, NH; his cousins John Caldwell and his wife Clara of Ocean Ridge, FL and Patricia Chadbourne of Lynn; his friend Teddy; and his 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Created by a loving grandson, who misses his "Grampy Ted".

Contributors

Host

Ray J. Whittier

Raymond J Whittier (September 03,1932 - June 22, 2024) ran a sign and graphic art shop in Lynn, Massachusetts for 46 years and he was a published poet. As a member of the Lynn chapter of the Mass Poetry Society and the Tin Box Poets of Swampscott, he was known for his audience friendly rhyming verses. His poetic work can be found in local libraries and schools.

Ray Whittier has loved poetry all his life and was moved to start writing his own poetry when he observed a humanitarian act in Lynn that was the basis for “A Christmas Gift,” the title poem of his self-published first book. A second collection, Poems, appeared in 2010, and a new expanded edition of A Christmas Gift was published in 2012.

Producer

Bryan Funk

A loving grandson, who'll forever miss his Grampy Ted.