HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Today’s sound off is about after-Christmas decorations. The reader wrote: “I agree with Rita in Austin, Texas, who complained about stores setting up Christmas displays so early.

“She also might be interested to know that as the operation superintendent of a large chain department store, I had orders to clear out all decorations before opening for business on Dec. 26.

“So, the entire display crew plus some extras came to work at 4 a.m. to accomplish the task. Sadly, that really proved to me how commercialized we have made Christmas.”

— John R., California DEAR READER: So, to clarify: Your workers enjoyed Christmas Day with their families, knowing they needed to cut the evening short so that they could go to bed early and get up early, so that they could get to work early to take down decorations! That’s a holiday downer! Hope they were paid at least time and a half.

DEAR READERS: Here are some other objects to use as a pencil holder: A tall pill container. A plastic commemorative cup. A toothbrush holder that is sectioned. A clean, decorative jelly jar. A small terra cotta planter.

DEAR READERS: The verdict’s in! Recently, I asked you to tell me how you felt about music in stores, and the response was unbelievable. So many of you sent in your thoughts on the subject that I could write a research paper, but I won’t.

With 250-plus letters and emails, here’s a summary of the responses:

Eighty-eight percent of you overwhelmingly oppose the loud music. Some walk out; others won’t even walk through the door. The No. 1 response for this group: it’s nerve-wracking!

Seven percent are OK with the music and said that it puts them in a better mood. Some even sing or hum along while shopping.

Only 5 percent of the responders were “on the fence.” These readers can take it or leave it. Some said they’re not even aware of it until someone starts singing or humming along.

Some research suggests that stores now play music that targets a certain age group, based on its customers.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email