For this Christmas
The poem describes a nostalgic and idyllic Christmas scene where children are busy with holiday preparations while adults reminisce about past Christmases. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and how it affects the way people experience the holiday season, but ultimately concludes that the spirit of Christmas remains unchanged despite the years.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Holiday, Traditional · 73 words
First lines
Ye old-time stave that pealeth out To Christmas revellers all, At tavern-tap and wassail-bout, And in ye banquet-hall. - Whiles ye old burden rings again, Add yet ye verse, as due: "_God bless you, merry gentlemen_"- _And gentlewomen, too! _
What this Textopian page supports
For this Christmas is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1880 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Holiday, Traditional
- Length: 73 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for For this Christmas by James Whitcomb Riley
- 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering For this Christmas?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- A Song For Christmas by James Whitcomb Riley
- A Christmas Tree by James Mcintyre
- Nearing Christmas by Madison Cawein
- Grandpas Christmas by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- My Madonna by Robert W. Service
- Christmas Greeting by James Whitcomb Riley
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality typical of poetry.
- Holiday — The content revolves around Christmas, a central theme of the holiday genre.
- Traditional — The use of old-time language and references to historical customs aligns with traditional themes.
Tags
Poetry · Christmas · Nostalgia · Family · Tradition · Holiday · Seasonal · Sentimental · Romantic · Whimsical · Imaginative · Storytelling