CHRISTMAS  (c) 1996 Monica E. Gómez Verse 1:  Sometimes Christmas red and green remind me of the things I’ve seen, and will not see again... the families gathered ‘round the trees taking joy in trying to please each other and dear friends. Refrain:  That was then and this is now and every year I wonder how the spirit of the season will appear as Christmas and its memories grow near. Verse 2:  Sleepy children in pajamas their exhausted dads and mamas playing Santa Claus. So much time spent on the giving not enough on just living or taking time to pause.  Refrain Verse 3:  The past is part of Christmas and the present is the gift at hand, so hold your memories dear. Give birth to hope for all things new and let the spirit live in you, then Christmas will appear.  Final Refrain:  ‘Cause that was then and this is now and every year I marvel how the spirit of the season does appear as Christmas and its memories grow near.