Welcome to Christmas.
By Mary Howitt.
He comes—the brave old Christmas! His sturdy steps I hear; We will give him a hearty welcome, For he comes but once a year!
And of all our old acquaintance 'Tis he we like the best; There's a jolly old way about him— There's a warm heart in his breast.
He is not too proud to enter Your house though it be mean; Yet is company fit for a courtier, And is welcomed by the Queen!
He can tell you a hundred stories Of the Old World's whims and ways, And how they merrily wish'd him joy In our fathers' courting days.
He laughs with the heartiest laughter That does one good to hear; 'Tis a pity so brave an old fellow Should come but once a year!
But once, then, let us be ready, With all that he can desire— With plenty of holly and ivy, And a huge log for the fire;
With plenty of noble actions, And plenty of warm good-will; With our hearts as full of kindness As the board we mean to fill.
With plenty of store in the larder, And plenty of wine in the bin; And plenty of mirth for the kitchen; Then open and let him in!