To Gift-Giving -

By Abigail Van Buren‘

= 1978 by Chicago Tribuna-N.¥, News Synd, Inc.

_ what and what not to give for Christmas gifts. 1 thought it
was one of the most helpful columns you ever wrote. Please

run it again.
OVER 80 IN OKMULGEE, OKLA.

DEAR OVER 80: That column was ao well reeeived I've
updated it. And here it is:

' DEAR READERS: Can you believe it's time to prepare
for the holidays again? Well, it is, so do yourselves a favor
and do your Christmas (or Hanukkah) shopping early.

viko don't get out much, let me tell you. what NOT to give
jem: ;
‘ No dusting powder, after-shave or cologne. (They prob-
ably have several unopened hoxes gathering duat on thelr
closet shelves.} “:
’ Grandpa doesn’t need another necktie, and Aunt Bessie
doesn’t really want any more brooches, necklaces i
bracelets. ; cf
With the price of groceries ao high, folks who live alone on
a fixed Income probably would be delighted to recelve a
hasket of goodies, Include amall cans of salmon, chicken,

crackers, cookies and instant soup mixes.

more “things” that are ornamental only. Dan't send music
boxes, alatuettes, or other bric-a-brac.

felt-tip peng, toa.) ;

occasions so that they, too, can send birthday, anniversary,
graduation, get-well and condolence cards to others. (Be a
sport! Stamp some envelopes.)

‘Don't give anyone a gift of clothing unless you're ab-
solutely sure the size Is right. That goes for the color and
atyle, tea.

three years ago, please don't. lt’s a pretty fair bet the
recipient will find it just ag useless as you did. (Besides,
YOU might get it back the year after next.)

_ If someone on your gift list ia living on a pension, a check
for ANY amount would be much more appreciated than a
frivolous little trinket. Or give someone who's counting his
pennies a year's subscription to & newspaper or magazine
you know he'll enjoy.

.* Please, don
astore unless you bought it there. Should the recipient want
to exchange it, he will be ombarragaed, the store clerke will
look bewildered, and it won't make YOU look too good.

: ” Hi you buy a gift on sale, be sure it's appropriate since if

JB... ahe reciplant. tries to.take it back he will be told, “Sorry,

ih. Sale merchandise is not returnable.” :

Don't give a pet to anyone unless you're absolutely sure
it's wanted and will be properly cared for. And if you want
to delight someone who considers his pet a “member of the
family," include a tin of cat or dog food for the pet.

reciplonta imbibe. Candy, nuts and fruiteake make wonder:
ful gifts for those who aren't counting their vulories, but
please have compaasion for those who are, and iéad them
pot into temptation. .

Resist giving toddlers stuffed animals and dolls that
are bigger than THEY are, And parents will thank you for
not sexdipg their children horns, drums, sirens or whistles.
fi you give a child a game or book, be aure it’s in the ap-
propriate age range. ° Sy “
> Inatead of giving someone a gilt with permission to “take
it back and exchange it if it's not what you want," why oot
gave yourself (and them) much time and effort by giving
them a gift certificate in the first place? .
. Holiday time can be very depressing for people who are
alone, ao if you know someone who might be elone and lene-
ly, give him (or ber) the best gift of all—an lovitation to
spend the holiday with you and your family. The ultimate
poverty is loneliness.

. ABBY

. Ifyou're wondering what to give Aunt Beasie or Grandpa, ,

ham, tuna, vegetables, fruit, instant coffee, ten. baga,.:
Older people who live in confined quarters do Hot need .

- Shut-ins would appreciate a box of greeting cards for all.

If you're tempted to pass along a scarf, purse, wallet.or.:
yome other useless little doodad you received for Christmas

"t ever send a gilt in a box bearing the name of

Don't give glits of wine or liquor unless you're.sure the: .

Love, -

Another thoughtiul gilt is lined stationery with envelopes, ‘G
and a generoua supply of postage stamps. (Enclose some .[:.

ee

| Your Individual.
Horoscope - ;

7. Prances Drake.

‘ARIES a? ;
(Mar, 21 to Apr. 19)°V3=oR.
: Work that requires
‘cooperation should be done
‘early. Later, others may not
‘be in the mood. Be content

_ With modest gains.

TAURUS .

i : (Apr. 20 to May 20) Okey”:

DEAR ABBY: Laat year you devoted an entire column to-

A productive work day:
brings gains but possibly:
tiredness, You may not be in,
the moad for socializing later,
but be considerate. ok
GEMINI \
(May 21 to June 20) "
‘Too much togetherness;
could lead to a wish for:
solitude: Enjoy geod times’
with a romantic interest, but
don’t drift into sullenness. |
CANCER i
(June 21 to July 22) Oe)

Write letters to distant
relatives, Talks with néigh-

_ - bors uplifting, Later, a part.

ner seems on a different.
wavelength. Be iné
derstanding, .

ders =
(July 23 to Aug. 2 RES

After a good .start on a
creative project, the going
gets rough. Don’t let stum-
bling blocks affect your mood

io adversely. Be sociable.

VIRGO ;
(Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) my

Set limits re spending.
Initial purchases should prove

; satisfactory, but grandiose -

entertainment plans should be
shelved. , a
LIBRA . .
(Sept. 23 to Oct, 22) ad B

You'll gain insights re how’

».to. be a more effective per-

Bonality. However, don’t
expect immediate applause
from others. Be gracious,

SCORPIO
(Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Mae

Private talks with friends
prove harmonious, Later, you

may wish to spend -time by

yourself, Don't be rude or drift
into moodiness. ;
SAGITTARIUS ed
(Nov, 22 to Dee. 21)
Meetings with business
acquaintances are productive.
A party later finds some
guests out of sorts. Avoid
unnecessary spending.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Vi
. Make plans rp businesa.
trips. Be content to remain
behind the scenes in career
efforts. Personality and
charm may fail:to abet
dealings. Ct
AQUARIUS
(dan, 20 to Feb. 1) 2G
Consultations ‘ ‘re = In-
vestments are recommended.
Make travel plang, but a
companion’s attitude may.
seem unappreciative or with-
drawn. . ;
PISCES “4
(Feb, 19 to Mar. 20) HEX
Your - overall business
career approach is good, but a
mixture of diverse or wun-
congenial personalilies makes
progress slow at-prasent. . -

ide

:

ol

“Nice to meat you at last. You must be Alnabacker, a

“” VACROSS |

| CROSSWORD

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CRYPTOQUIP 10-10

BPA JBXUJ PBLQ BNJPBFE;
GBNQ SAPUA GULSAU ABFE

Yesterday's Cryptoquip — BOLD ROBOTS TURNED ON

IMPAIRED INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Today's Cryptoquip clue: X equals W

The Crypioquip is a simple substitution cipher in which cach
letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals 0, it
will equal O throughout the puzzle. Single letters, short wards,
and werds using an apostrophe can give you clues tu locating
vowels, Solution is accomplished by trial and error.

JBX-

By Roger Bollen and Gary Peterman

CATFISH

DO You KON HOW To GET
RID OF CHRISTMAS ShiRiTS P

© 17D by Chicaga Tribune. News Bynd.ine. 426472,

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the WIZARD OF ID

By Brant Parker and Johnny Hart

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By Johnny Hart

By Garry Trudeau

MIKE, YOU GUYS HAVE
voces Jott, Bur

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AND THATS MY
FINAL OFFER!

SEE you ON
THE SPOT
MARKET,

” INGLE SAM, AES

By Stan Lee and John Romita

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