I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book
And every year at Christmas time I go and take a look,
And that is when I realize that these names are a part,
Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone whose path touched mine, and then
Left such a print of friendship that I want to touch again,
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel I am composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you has shaped my life more than you can think,
For once you’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think of my Christmas greetings as just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list—forgotten in between,
For when I send a Christmas greeting that is addressed to you
It’s because you’re on that list of folks I am indebted to.

For one is but a total of the many folks they’ve met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer NOT to forget.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes I realize anew,
the BIGGEST GIFT life can give is MEETING FOLKS LIKE YOU.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever and ever endures,
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.