Please remember that not everyone finds joy in the holiday season.  Like many others, the holidays bring sadness for me as I think about family and friends that are no longer with us.  All of the pretty lights remind me of how my mom decorated our tree and windows, taking care to make everything look perfect.  Receiving cards in the mail brings back thoughts of dad working long hours at the Post Office to ensure that everyone’s cards were delivered on time, even working Saturdays and Sundays.  Those delicious homemade cookies that you shared remind me that my mother, who taught me how to make all of her favorite Christmas cookies – especially the ones with the pecans, is now in heaven. This Christmas, please remember all of those among us who have lost family and friends.  It doesn’t matter how recent the loss, the sadness is always there, especially at this time of year.