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".
A Christmas Gift
A Christmas Ring
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
It was a cold Christmas Eve, and I was very young.
The Grange Hall tree was lit, and old time carols were sung.
It was there that I saw Jenny in the glow of candlelight,
pouring hot cider for the folks gathered there that night.
Oh, we fell in love and dreamed what the future might bring.
Our wedding day, tiny tots, a farm with fruitful plantings in spring.
We were poor country folk with days hard and long working the fields,
praying for a good crop the fall harvest would yield.
At last our wedding day arrived.
A wonderful day, for one thing.
I had just enough for the parson's fee,
but for my Jenny, no wedding ring.
The years passed by, three boys and a girl she'd bear,
a loving mother and wife. Yet, for my loving Jenny, still no ring to wear.
As hot as it was, I struggled to save. I worked extra on old Jed's farm.
I helped at the county store. and repaired my neighbor's barn.
Our holidays were simple, but this coming Christmas would bring,
along with thoughts of a manger birth,
my loving Jenny's wedding ring.
