Page 8, The Harald. Tuesday, Dacamber 11, 1979

She’s Staying
Home for Xmas

By Abigail Van Buren

1973 py Crecago Troune-N ¥ News Synd, Inc,

DEAR ABBY: I've heen reading your column for years,
and around holiday time someone always asks, “Should we
goto HIS mother’s or to MY mother's for Christmas dinner?
And your answer [s always, “Why not alternate?”

Abby, my hushand and I struggled with thal problem for
years, and we resolved it according Lo yaur suggestion. Both
sets of parents lived nearby, and it seemed the only fair
thing to do. Sa for 22 years, we spent Thanksgiving and
Christmas in parents’ homes instead of our own,

It never dawned on us until this year—as our children are
ready to strike out on their own—that we never developed
our own holiday traditions, We always went to Grandma's
for the holidays, She insisted on daing all the cooking
herself —and then complained for months about how much
work it was and how Ured she gat. When we, her daughters
and daughters-in-law, asked if we could bring something for
dinner, she wauldn't hear of it. When we brought food
without asking her, she refused to serve it, so we finally
gave up.

I realize now what a high price I've paid over the years for
peace in the family. | wish IL hadn't. Abby, please urge young
marrieds to have their own holiday celebrations in their own
hames. Suggest that they invite their parents and grand-
parents, who might even be relieved to be finally free of the
hurden of entertaining three generations.

Sizn me...

“DOING MY OWN THING”

DEAR DOING: You make an excellent point, Your
anawer was better than mine.

DEAR ABBY; Last Christmas Eve, during my busy
preparations for 18 dinner guests (and also during our meal),
| was called to the phone three times and kept there from 20
to 30 minutes while the callers wished me a “Merry
Christmas.” Each said, “I decided to phone rather than send
cards this year,” then proceeded to bring me up to date on
their health, families and activities!

I appreciate their Lhouvhts, and realize that by placing
such ealis they probably filled an otherwise lonely
Christmas Five, but if they must save the expense of sending
Christmas cards, why can't they wait until the holiday is
aver, and then phone with their annual accounts of joys and
sorrows?

Am I the only one who feels such phone calls are
imposilions?

UNAPPRECIATIVE IN OREGON

DEAR UNAPPRECIATIVE: Probably not. But if it's in-
convenient for you to ¢ake the call, say so. And ask if you
may return the call when you're able to visit longer.

DEAK ABBY: Our emplayer used to give Christinas
bonuses to all employees, based on their length of service.

In the last couple of -ycars, he eliminated the holiday
bonuses in tivor of a Christmas party. Well, the only ares
who attended these parties are the young, or those who
want toael young, Mast people drink too much, the music {s
dealening, and there is more food wasted than calen,

Many of us here are not party minded because of finances
and inability bo et sitters, and we would much raLher have
the money instead - whatever the amount.

Se how about running this letter ta ask the bass
peaple -- foremen, administrators, managers, ele. — to let the
employees have a choice.

JOPLIN. MQ.
DEAR JOPLIN: Ht seems fair to me, Bosses?

Problema? You'll feel better if you get them off your
chest. For a personal reply write to Abby, Box 69700, Loa

Angeles, Cal, 90069, Please enclose stamped, self-addressed
envelope.

Your Individual
Horoscope

Frances Drake
ARIES

(Mar. 21 to Apr. wes
Follow through on that
work-related idea. Music or
attendance at a cultural event
brings relaxation. Avoid
clashes over trifles,
TAURUS
(Apr. 20 to May 20) Oey
Make decisions re children's
affairs, Singles in love may
think of marriage proposals.
Trust hunches re business
ventures.
GEMINI

(May 21 to June »

Be straightforward in

_ dealings with others, Make an

effort to be understood. Don’t
procrastinate, but implement
domestic plans. :
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22) ee
Watch out for vague health
complaints that may he
‘psychosomatic in origin.
Creative work is highly
favored. Share hobbies with
children.
LEQ
(July 23 to Aug. mn dece
Romance seems glamorous,
but take one day at a time.
Shrewdness aids you in
bargain hunting. A family
member could be tem-
peramental,
VIRGO
(Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) mp,
You're serious minded now,
but try a lighter approach for
success, Clear out clutter at
home, but don't go to ex-
tremes,

LIBRA
(Sept. 23 to Oct, 22) Ld B

Bargains in out of the way.
places, Creative inspiration is
high. Put it to work for you.
Trust hunches, but avoid
rationalizations.

SCORPIO
(Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) MW Re

Morning hours favor getting
in touch with friends. Send out
invitations. An unusual art
abject may capture your
fancy. Retire early.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Mf,

A behind-the-scenes role
serves your career interests
best. Heed note of idealism
that is coming to con-
sciousness. Keep aims lofty.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22 to Jan, 19) Vi

Get in touch with those at a
distance, Talks with advisers
g#o well. The p.m. favors
creative work done in private.
Believe in intuition.

AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20 to Feb, 18) agi
Business conferences

proceed smoothly. Present
ideas to higher-ups. An
unusual invitation may come
your way, Financial tip from a
friend,
PISCES
(Feb. 19 to Mar, 20) Ey
Talks with lawyers and
advisers favared. Go ahead
with career projects. The
altention is on you! Rise to the
occasion.

CROSSWORD

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CATFISH By Roger Bollen and Gary Peterman
OUTTA NIATCHES ... au ee PICK WTEETH, |
E f

By Brant Parker and Johnny Hart

TAKE A KILOMETER.

fafaiy Cees

YOU GwE'EM A CENTIMETER, |
THEY

epuker

Elrond Eotepcana tae 1979"

By Johnny Hart

NOW, EDDY? «
\

pa 8 BE] [sam arwuep «mm
HEY owerisir = SQM BR SGN MEA — AFRAID

LOT OF TROUBLE. HE = T'S TRUE,
SAYS HE LIVES HERE, EDEN,

WELL, HE'S
GOT A

STAY BACK,
WEG-HEAP! T'm
NO GITTIN’