Family reduces holiday stress by celebrating when it’s convenient

Dear Abby: With the holidays approaching, I want to share with you the solution to a holiday problem.

When our kids grew up and started their own families, I had read many letters from young couples caught in the middle of a battle over where to spend Christmas. So I decided to start a new family tradition. We celebrated Christmas at Thanksgiving.

It was a win-win! We got to share Christmas with family, watch our grandkids open their presents and enjoyed the holiday turkey with all the trimmings.

The grandkids got two Christmases, and our kids enjoyed a guilt-free Christmas. — Happy Holidays Without Conflict

Dear Abby: I enjoy going to movies, especially to the theater in town where I can reserve my seat ahead of time. I recently reserved my seat two days in advance to a movie I had been wanting to see. When I arrived at the theater, a woman was sitting in my seat. I politely pointed out to her that she was in my seat, and she glared at me and said rudely, “Really?”

Granted, the row was empty, but it was still early. I knew more people would show up, and I didn’t want to take someone else’s seat. So I replied, “Yes, REALLY. I reserved this seat days ago.” Was I right asking her to move? More people did show up, and the theater was full.

— My Seat In New Mexico

Dear My Seat: Yes, you were right. And if the woman had refused to move, you should have asked an usher to “clarify” your seat assignment.