The Arboretum Nursing home asked for a Christmas show,
Something to cheer the residents up with, or without, snow.

Why of course, the ladies answered with happiness and mirth.
Presents and entertaining are the greatest gifts on earth.

So Gerry, Paula and Rita M. began to search around,
Surprised by all the musicians and fine crafters that they found.

And then there were some husbands who stated with a shout,
“We are going to help also. Don’t dare to leave us out.”

The ukulele players practiced nearly every day,
For teacher Paula made it clean: Don’t practice meant don’t play.

Susan pulled out her keyboard and never missed a beat.
She could play those carols very well, the bitter and the sweet.

Melanie tuned up her cello and studied hard don’t you know.
Who else would dress an instrument with a gaudy, pink flamingo?

December ninth came at last. They loaded up each sleigh,
Turned the motors way up high and drove down Winnie way.

Straight to their destination: The Winnie Arboretum,
With most equipment except for a rummity, pum, pum drum.

The Elves Band of Crystal Beach and Reindeer Singers gathered near,
And soon were joined by their young helpers, the charming Little Deer.

Each resident received a hat, a blanket and a bell.
Each was also given a kazoo to play along as well.

Oh, those singers sang with gusto, and the band played clear and loud.
Giving this performance made them feel so happy and so proud.

About half way through the Christmas show a strange thing did occur.
The line between entertainers and entertained began to blur.

The residents’ eyes begin to sparkle or drop a little tear.
They remembered those old carols and those old words once held so dear.

Some tapped their feet while others sang along filled with such joyful grace.
And every now and then, a gnarled old hand would pat a younger face.

The inspired musicians answered back with enthusiastic glee.
It now appeared the gift was coming from the audience you see.

The band took off down the hall to sing for those in bed.
The smiles and murmured choruses gave back to them instead.

Pastor Val led with guitar as around the place they flew,
Some sang, some jingled bells while some accompanied on kazoo.

When the show was over, and the entertainers packed to go,
They all agreed that this was indeed a most surprising show.

Thinking deeply about the event, each person’s mind begin to drift.
Was it the audience or entertainers who received the greater gift?

This question may be much pondered, but here is what I believe.
Sometimes the ones who give the gift are the ones who do receive.