It doesn't matter if the ground
Is covered white with snow;
Or if your rooms are holly decked,
With Christmas trees aglow.

It doesn't make it Christmas
Though you've shopped in every store,
And gay mysterious parcels
Are heaped around galore.

You can not call it Christmas
Till you've done a lot of things
That foster Christmas spirit
And the happiness it brings.

Have you done a deed of kindness
For the cripple 'cross the way?
Have you said a prayer of guidance
For the child that's gone astray?

Has you old friend had a letter,
'Cross the intervening miles?
Have you met the neighbor's children
With happy welcoming smiles?

Have you taken just a greeting
To the widow that you know,
With all the little children?
It will make their faces glow.

Have you done your Christmas shopping
With a thought for Daddy's purse?
So the budget for the New Year
Won't be thrown in reverse.

Have you called upon that person
Who is sick a-bed today?
Have you used your precious talent
To help a good cause on it's way?

Have you made your home a haven,
Where folks like to rest awhile?
And each family squabble settled
With an understanding smile?

If you've done these things, my brother,
You've not shopped in busy mart,
And you'll not have to hunt the spirit,
You have Christmas in your heart.