HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: It has been a year for the books, hasn’t it? If you are pushed for time and space and want to put up a tree with a smaller footprint, you can make one, and attach it to the wall.
Grab some evergreen garland and some damage-free, easy-to-remove picture hooks. Shape the garland, beginning toward the ceiling, into a tree configuration, and pin with a picture hook, then work your way down the wall.
Complete the “tree” with a star on top, ornaments that can easily hook onto the garland and even lights.
It’s perfect for a child’s room, apartment or a senior citizen with limited space. With the damage-free picture hooks, disassembly will be a breeze.
DEARHELOISE: I hear the term “spoiler alert” quite a bit. What does it mean? — Grandma Mary
in Florida DEAR READER: Ever write somebody about a great film or play you saw or a book you’ve read? Before you tell about a plot twist, the downfall of a character or the outcome of the story, you might alert your audience: Spoiler Alert.
You’re warning the person that you might be about to reveal information critical to the plot or the outcome of the story, so if they don’t want to know, they should stop reading right away.
DEAR HELOISE: My bank just posted on its website a reminder: They will never text me or call me asking for personal information to “reactivate” my account or frozen debit card.
They remind their customers that if it sounds suspicious, it probably is.
— Ken R. in Texas DEAR READERS: A refresher on some holiday behaviors, from a firefighter in St. Louis, first printed last year:
■ Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. It burns quickly and can give off dangerous fumes due to chemicals used in manufacturing.
■ Ribbon is an extreme choking hazard. Keep away from pets and small children to avoid a trip to the ER or the emergency veterinarian.
■ Finally, and this should be obvious, but do not use real candles on the Christmas tree, and don’t leave other candles burning unattended.
DEAR HELOISE: To remove the skin from garlic, I put several cloves in a cocktail shaker and give it a quick shake. The skins separate easily.
— Wren B. in Calif. DEAR HELOISE: I’m cleaning more nowadays, and I pay particular attention to light switches and doorknobs. These get extra wipes with the disinfecting wipes.
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