Christmas is in the bags!
DEAR HELOISE » With four boys, there was a huge mess on Christmas morning when they opened their gifts. One year, I decided to do something different. I got four TRASH BAGS, gave each boy a bag and told them they couldn’t open another gift until they put the ribbons and wrapping paper from the previous gift into the bag. It saved me at least an hour of cleaning and reorganizing. After we opened all our presents, I told them to put away their clothes and toys.
They’re grown men now, with their own families, and they follow what we did when they were children. Their wives appreciate it!
— Imogene in Wisconsin
DEAR READERS » Often during the holidays, we get busy and distracted, and we forget to take cautionary measures while we are out and about. Here are some things to remember:
• Beware of the person who bumps into you, because it’s a favorite method of pickpockets.
• Do not announce your plans for travel on social media. Do that AFTER you get home from your trip.
• If you think you’re being followed home while driving, don’t go home. Drive to a police station or a crowded area.
• Thieves usually try to target people they feel are vulnerable, such as elderly folks or the handicapped.
• Above all, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
Dear Heloise >> Please tell your readers to be aware of a new phishing scam going around. Someone contacts you, usually by email or phone call, claiming to be from your bank and wanting to update your information for security purposes, or they’ll have to deactivate your account. Hang up immediately! Call your bank directly and ask if they need your information updated, and let them know about the scammer who called you.
Whenever you get a request to update information on ANY financial matters, DO NOT click on the link they provide. Instead, call the company directly and protect all financial information.
— Trent D. in New York
DEAR HELOISE » This holiday season, many of us will receive gifts in boxes and bags. I try to take care of the boxes by collapsing them for storage, and the bags are carefully stored away for reuse. The wrapping usually gets tossed out, but even that goes into the recycle bin. Remember, “reuse and recycle” as much as you can. The Earth is our home, so let’s keep it clean.
— Paula in Alaska
DEAR HELOISE » No time to deep clean before guests come? Take your drapes, curtains and comforters and place them in the dryer (separately) for a few minutes. A short spin on the “air” setting will remove dust, freshen the look and plump up a comforter. — Meg in California.