W. H. Auden's Conclusion to For the Time Being

The Christmas Narrative and Its Aftermath

The concluding section of W.H. Auden's For the Time Being highlights the nativity story culminating in Mary and Joseph's flight to Egypt, showcasing the tension between the sacred and the mundane. This narrative reflects the post-Christmas reality where the excitement of the holiday fades, and routine responsibilities, such as dismantling decorations and preparing children for school, take precedence. The poem articulates a sense of loss, as the warmth and joy of Christmas are replaced by apprehension about future hardships, exemplified by references to Lent and Good Friday approaching. This transition emphasizes the struggle of reconciling the joyous celebration of Christ's birth with the inevitable return to life's challenges and disappointments.