Ya’át’ééh Késhmish

Christmas Eve on the Navajo Land

The tinkling bell coming from the sheep corral,
Could it be that a new lamb is born?
The night sky is the clearest and the stars are the brightest
Only a coyote’s howling breaks the silent night.
The Hogan stove pipe is whirling smoke gently
The cold night is calm and peaceful.
The snow reflects the light of the stars
The beauty of winter nighttime is here
The clean cold air is crisp and refreshing.
Christmas Eve is here,
To bring together families
A time for storytelling by the elders,
A time to listen, A time to learn.
Ya’át’ééh Késhmish to all, and to all a good year.

(written by Johnson Dennison, Native American Healer)