I have a list of people I know

All written in a book

And every year at Christmastime

I go and take a look

And that is when I realise

That those names are a part

Not of the book they’re written in

But of my very heart

For each name stands for someone

Who has crossed my path some time

And in that meeting they’ve become

A treasured friend of mine

And once you’ve met some people

The years can not erase

The memory of a pleasant word

Or a friendly face

So when I send a Christmas card

That is addressed to you

It’s because you’re on that list

Of folk I’m indebted to

And you are one of many folk who

In times past I’ve met

And happen to be one of those

I don’t want to forget

And whether I have known you for

Many years or few

In some way you have a part in

Shaping things I do

This, the spirit of Christmas, that

Forever and ever endures

May it leave it richest blessing

In the hearts of you and yours.

ANON