‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for my spouse. His snores like a foghorn, a symphony loud, While I tossed and I turned in a hot-flashy cloud.
The stockings were hung on the chimney with care, (Though I suspect he’d forgotten, the lazy old bear). The lights were not strung, not a single strand, He’d promised to do it, margarita in hand.
The children, grown up, had flown from the nest, Leaving just the two of us, and a bit of a test. To keep up the traditions, the magic of yore, Though my energy wanes, and I creak a bit more.
Downstairs I went, drawn by the fridge’s soft hum, Craving a margarita, to chase away the numb Feeling of exhaustion, the weight of the day, And the resentment that simmered, come what may.
In the kitchen, I found him, sprawled on the floor with a half-eaten pizza, and a beer bottle more. He looked at me sheepishly, a grin on his face, “Just testing the lights, dear, in this awkward space.”
“Testing the lights?” I scoffed, with a shake of my head, “You promised to hang them, weeks ago, instead, You’ve been napping and snoring, while I’ve kept the home, Now get up, you old goat, and get working on them!”
He chuckled and lumbered, a bear in his den, While I mixed up a margarita, just for me, then. As I sipped on the sweetness, the tequila’s warm glow, I remembered the magic, the love we all know.
He strung the lights lopsided, a bit of a mess, But the laughter we shared, it helped to suppress The grumpiness lurking, the tiredness within, Replaced by a warmth, a love that would win.
For even though empty nest syndrome might sting, And hot flashes plague me, and my bones they do sing With aches and with creaks, as I age with each day, The love we share shines, brighter than any display.
So, here’s to us empty nesters, with wrinkles and woes, May our margaritas flow, and our laughter dispose Of the worries and burdens, the years they may bring, And may our love continue, like a caroling king.
And for those who celebrate Hanukkah’s light, May your candles burn brightly, and banish the night. May your laughter echo, your latkes be fried, And may your traditions with joy be supplied.
So, raise a glass, friends, to the holidays near, To the memories we cherish, and the ones we hold dear. May our love and our laughter continue to bloom, Through hot flashes and wrinkles, in every room.
Peace, Love & Margaritas!
