Celebrating family and love

Family is above anything else. Family love is paramount. It is the instinctual affection by parents towards children and vice versa. Family supports one another, teach each other, serve one another. Parents guide their children – even beyond growing up and becoming adults themselves. Eventually children will care for their parents. Family shares life’s joys and sorrows. Family provides the setting for personal growth. Family is the framework of values to each of its members. Family is the single most important influence in a child's life.

Love is the emotion that keeps family strong and together for life - in good times and in bad times. Family love is unconditional without judgment.

This holiday season give the greatest gift of all: Smile at your children, smile at your spouse, smile at your mother, your father, grandpa and grandma; smile at your brother, smile at your sister, smile at your aunts and uncles. If they live far away, pick up the phone and smile into the screen – just because you are happy to see them. Tell them how much you appreciate and love them.

Be generous with your praise towards all that are close to your heart.

Sit down together for family meals, as often as you can. Share stories, talk, laugh and even cry together. Hold hands, hug, and kiss each other, celebrate your family, celebrate your love and appreciation for each other.

That is your grandest gift – having and being there for each other.

Follow my hashtag #ReadToKids on social media.

Smiling is the positive feedback loop of love and happiness.