GRANDMA’S YULETIDE PUNCHOn a frigid snowy Christmas Eve
little Johnny and his sister Annie
were in their farmhouse kitchen
eagerly waiting to help their Mom
prepare the holiday treats and snacks.
The cast iron stove was working overtime,
filled with golden brown pies, bread
and yummy pecan chocolate chip cookies.
The warm enticing aroma put everyone
into a peaceful and friendly festive mood.
Mom doled out the duties of the day.
Annie had to wash the cut crystal bowl
while Johnny went out to the barn
to get a gallon of fresh apple cider,
a main ingredient of this seasonal wassail.
Standing around the butcher block table,
they each added a pinch of this and that.
Mom poured the cider, Johnny added the cloves
and Annie mixed the spice, nutmeg, and ginger.
Brown sugar and cinnamon sticks were the last to go in.
This invigorating brew was mixed and stirred
and Johnny quickly put it to the test.
By the strained look on his flushed face
Mom immediately knew something was amiss.
A glance at the recipe gave everyone the clue.
Slices of oranges and lemons were floating face-up,
providing just the right sweet tangy flavor.
Soon Grandma and Pop Pop would be arriving,
and there were still chores to be done,
the thick-handled goblets had to circle the bowl.
At 6PM there was a knock on the oak front door,
Grandma and Pop Pop wearing smiles and carrying gifts,
gave Johnny and Annie the warmest of hugs.
Dad added some wood to the fireplace
as we sat and chatted and ate some snacks.
Johnny took Grandma into the kitchen
proudly showing her the cider punch he helped create.
Grandma took one taste and made an unsightly face.
she reached into her bag, pulled out a fifth of vodka
poured it into the bowl and declared to Johnny,
this is how I make Grandma’s Yuletide Punch.