Treasure the MOMENT

Idon’t know if you are like me when it comes to Christmas, but I always think, ‘This year, I’m going to shake it up and do things a bit differently.’ Of course, when it comes to it, I fall into the same routines. I’m rushing around trying to buy things last minute and not stopping to enjoy the moment enough. Working on this festive issue has certainly reminded me that I truly mean to make this Christmas as special as possible. With so much bleak news about, adding a little sparkle where you can seems truly fitting. I’m not talking about spending a lot of money. We’ve tried to make the ideas in this issue as budget-friendly as possible. After all, baking a beautiful cake or knitting a gift for someone you love is always so precious. I was also inspired by our easy ideas to help others in Give The Gift Of Kindness (page 26). But what reminded me to make this Christmas special most of all was reading our interview with Heather James about her daughter Dame Deborah James, who died earlier this year. She told us how Deborah always threw all her energy and enthusiasm into creating a joyous Christmas. Even last year, when she was so desperately ill, she insisted they all make cakes. (You can see the photograph on page 20.) Deborah left such an important legacy in the work she did for bowel cancer research, but it’s the legacy of her zest for life that also lives on. So, however rushed, stressed or busy I may feel, I’m going to remember the lessons I’ve learned and make the absolute most of it. Wishing you all a very happy, safe and joyous festive time.

JO CHECKLEY EDITOR