HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: We are in the middle of the holiday season and closing in on a new year. Maybe this is as good a time as any to make amends where it needs to be made, to help someone less fortunate, or to adopt a homeless animal from a shelter or one that lives on the street.
Let’s stop and put a couple of dollars in the cups of those who silently sit on our streets with signs as they battle the cold weather and struggle with their mental health. They may have lost their job or their home, but that is the least of their problems. So many have lost all hope.
It’s time to make a telephone call to the people we’ve missed or who miss us. There are so many times an encouraging word makes all the difference in someone else’s life.
It’s not too late to get involved in doing our part to save the planet. Recycle and reuse items; contribute to worthy causes that touch your heart; and remember that we are the only guardians of this planet. We need to clean it up, not use it up, before we hand it off to the next generation.
It’s a perfect time for governments all over the world to come together and put aside their differences. Life may not be easy, but it can get better if each of us does our part to improve the planet and stretch out a helping hand to those in need.
Even under the best of circumstances, it really is a short life. Make yours count. Making a difference in someone’s life or with a cause you feel passionate about is important.
Have a very merry holiday season, and best wishes to all in the coming new year.
— Naomi D., Fayetteville, N.C. DEAR READERS:
Gift-giving can be tough sometimes, so here are some bad Christmas gift ideas to avoid:
■ For kids, skip the clothing. Find out what toys they like or what hobbies they’re interested in.
■ Be very careful about giving kitchen appliances. Many people don’t consider it a “gift” unless they asked for that particular appliance. ■
I don’t recall anyone ever asking for a vacuum cleaner under their tree. Think of something more creative.
■ If someone is on a strict diet, don’t get them a box of chocolates or “a pastry of the month” club membership. This also goes for skydiving lessons, yoga classes, ballroom dancing or any other activity that the recipient has not expressed interest in. Send a money- or time-saving hint to