Decorating your home so the beauty unveils itself creating the magic the season always brings. Like a little child digging through all the decorations collected and placing them carefully on the tree. Special mementos which have been passed down through the generations; each sure to bring tears to the eyes as they remind you of Christmases past.This season brings out the warmth and love within each one us. We exchange gifts, cards and warm hugs to show our appreciation of relationships and friendships both old and new.

Why do we wait to show such love at Christmas time? Even though they say it is the season to love and be happy; why are we not as content every day of our lives?

We should express those feelings daily because we do not know what tomorrow holds. Time is of the essence and we really should not wait till the festive season fall upon us to love each other.

We spent the past year time fussing over money, material stuff and honestly things we cannot take with us instead of exchanging all that worry into time with family and friends. I write this article while looking at pictures in my office of loved ones whom have passed on.

My Daddy a great man who taught me so much about laughter and not to sweat the small stuff, my mother –in law (Mom ..I was told to call her) a woman wise beyond her years taught me the meaning of love and being a mother. And my dear friend Diane she was bridesmaid when I got married in 1996 to my husband Shaun. Diane taught me to have fun and live life to its fullest! They all passed leaving me with memories I shall always cherish.

All year we should love without reservation our family, friends and most importantly ourselves. If you do not love yourself how you can love anyone else. Wasted time reflecting on what people or life has done to us is not important at all. Why not exchange all that and transfer it to a positive energy spreading the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. People ask me why I play certain carols in the summer, fall or spring; well, because it does that very thing to my heart. It restores the meaning of love each day.

Live my dear Daddy, Mrs. Foster and Diane. We do not know when our journey ends so celebrate it and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

Merry Christmas ...

Joy Foster