Nay, no closed doors for me,

But open doors and open hearts and glee

To welcome young and old.

Dimmest and brightest month am I;

My short days end, my lengthening days begin;

What matters more or less sun in the sky

When all is sun within?

Ivy and privet, dark as night,

I weave with hips and haws a cheerful show.

And holly for a beauty and delight,

And milky mistletoe.

While high above them all I set

Yew twigs and Christmas roses pure and pale;

Then Spring her snowdrop and her violet

May keep, so sweet and frail;

May keep each merry singing bird,

Of all her happy birds that singing build:

For I’ve a carol which some shepherds heard

Once in a wintry field.

^^^

Christina Rossetti (1830–1894) was a celebrated English poet known for her deeply emotional and spiritually reflective works, often exploring themes of love, faith, and mortality. Associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, her best-known works include Goblin Marketand the beloved Christmas carol In the Bleak Midwinter.

Image by Simon Berger, Pexels