Grandpa's Christmas
The poem tells the story of a grandfather who has lost his wife and is struggling to find joy in Christmas without her. He is surrounded by his family, but feels lonely and nostalgic for past Christmases with his beloved wife. As he sits by the fire, he begins to reminisce about their life together and the happy memories they shared during the holiday season.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Holiday, Family · 932 words
First lines
In his great cushioned chair by the fender An old man sits dreaming to-night, His withered hands, licked by the tender Warm rays of the red anthracite, Are folded before him, all listless; His dim eyes are fixed on the blaze, While over him sweeps the resistless Flood-tide of old days.
He hears not the mirth in the hallway, He hears not the sounds of good cheer, That through the old homestead ring alway In the glad Christmas-time of the year. He heeds not the chime of sweet voices As the last gifts are hung on the tree. In a long-vanished day he rejoices -- In his lost Used-to-be.
What this Textopian page supports
Grandpa's Christmas is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1915 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Holiday, Family, Tragedy, Reflection
- Length: 932 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Grandpa's Christmas by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Holiday — The narrative centers around the Christmas holiday and its associated traditions.
- Family — The themes revolve around family relationships and memories.
- Tragedy — The story includes elements of loss, sorrow, and death.
Tags
Christmas · Family · Grandfather · Nostalgia · Holiday · Tradition · Love · Generations · Memories · Storytelling · Heartwarming · Poetry