The Waits

Summary


"The Waits" is a Christmas poem by Margaret Deland that captures the magical atmosphere of children singing carols at the break of Christmas Day. Their voices begin faint and far away in the frosty starlight, growing stronger and clearer as unseen footsteps approach through the snow. The poem weaves together themes of joy, faith, and shared celebration, building from quiet wonder to a warm communal greeting as the eastern sky brightens and their song reaches every home.

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At the break of Christmas Day,
Through the frosty starlight ringing,
Faint and sweet and far away,
Comes the sound of children, singing,
Chanting, singing,
“Cease to mourn,
For Christ is born,
Peace and joy to all men bringing!”

A group of Victorian children singing Christmas carols in the snow at dawn, illustrating The Waits by Margaret Deland.

Careless that the chill winds blow,
Growing stronger, sweeter, clearer,
Noiseless footfalls in the snow,
Bring the happy voices nearer;
Hear them singing,
“Winter’s drear,
But Christ is here,
Mirth and gladness with Him bringing.”

“Merry Christmas!” hear them say,
As the East is growing lighter;
“May the joy of Christmas Day
Make your whole year gladder, brighter!”
Join their singing,
“To each home
Our Christ has come,
All Love’s treasures with Him bringing!”

Credits

Margaret Deland was a 19th-century American novelist and poet, best known for her fiction exploring New England life and moral themes. "The Waits" takes its title from the old tradition of carol singers who roamed the streets on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, a custom with deep roots in British and American festive culture.