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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
Epilogue - The Missing Christmas Poem
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Christmas 2024 marks the first year that our family won't receive the annual Christmas poem in the mail written by Grampy Ted. As the year turned from summer to fall, in the midst of a move, we dusted off some old boxes and found recordings left by my grandfather.
To keep an decades old Christmas tradition alive, we decided to gift his poems back to our family and the world. This final poem is my own story of finding these cherished recordings, and for the never ending wait I'll endure through these winter days for the cherished annual Christmas poem.
Thanks for listening.
- Bryan, A Grandson
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Each day the postman walks his route,
With parcels and cards that bring joy about.
But I linger, longing for the one I miss,
A token of love, a holiday bliss.
A white envelope marked with holly red,
"A Christmas Poem" from the words he said.
Inside, a verse so carefully penned,
A tradition, now lost, that had no end.
Year by year, his poems would show,
A glimpse of the season, a heartfelt glow.
A message of hope, of joy, of cheer,
His words of Christmas each passing year.
Now as I sift through the attic's past,
I find a treasure meant to last.
Old recordings, his voice so near,
Echoing stories I hold so dear.
Tales of wonder, of simpler ways,
Of festive nights and snowy days.
Though this year his card won't come, his words remain,
A gift of his spirit, a sweet refrain.
This year I share what he left behind,
His voice, his heart, his Christmas mind.
Yet still, I wait, for my heart to uplift,
For the missing Christmas poem, the greatest gift.
