Covetous Christmases Past

When I was small, Christmas was magical

But mature reflection upon the past

Fills me with guilt, for greed fanatical

I coveted things; their value does not last

Toys and games and shiny, new distractions

Are bound to delight the naïve, young heart

It could be folly to regret actions

In which my raw and silly self took part

But if insight can come from past events

Then that will be a precious gift indeed;

Therefore, I regret coveting presents

And am glad now to be completely freed

From crude materialism, shallow

The better love and wisdom to hallow