Christmas memories From the time carols are played on the radio, Christmas, like wrapping paper, begins to unfold. To me it is the continuous preparation leading up to the morning of that special day. As a child growing up on the Caribbean island of Grenada, Christmas meant something more than just another holiday. It was the time of the year when all the worries and stress were gone. It was time for a make-over. All the beds had new sheets and curtains, the walls and the roof were also painted. We, the children, were responsible for the sweeping and cleaning of the yard and the washing of the windows. The expensive dishes, which had been collecting dust throughout the year in the cupboard and cutlery kept in a trunk were washed and used. Throughout the community everyone was painting or putting down new carpet and hanging new curtains in the windows. The best of everything would be used during this time. I remember the smell of paint and varnish and at night the kitchen would be filled with the smell of fruitcake, ham, baked or roast chicken, sorrel, rum punch, ginger beer and eggnog. Christmas morning we were all tired from being up late the night before yet anxious to be the first to say "Merry Christmas." Our 15-foot-high cactus in the shape of a Christmas tree was outside. The dining table was decorated with the best china set and cutlery fit for a king, With ham, roast chicken, macaroni pie, lamb stew, stewed peas with little dumplings, rice, vegetables, salads and more. Christmas day the sun was shining and it was all green outside without a yellow leaf on the ground. On the piano my uncle would be playing some carols while we sang along. It was all about time well spent with family, neighbours, friends and even strangers. No one did without. It was about celebrating and giving thanks and most of all about Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas, Canada and Happy New Year. Sheldon L. Charles, Toronto Reprinted from thestar.com