Christmas tips on a limited budget

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/12/2018 (2834 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I’ll be quick. I am 13 and have only $20 to buy five people gifts, and I don’t see how I can do it. My mom says it’s my own fault because I’m a spendthrift. I think “spendquick” is a better word. She has offered to give me wrapping paper and ribbon for whatever I scrape together for presents. Please help me!

— The Spender, St. Vital

Dear Spender: Take your $20 to a dollar store and buy a couple of bags of cookie mixes. Bake the cookies all together in a couple of hours. Also, buy a small pad of writing paper with a Christmas design on it.

While the cookies are baking, write the name of each person on your gift list on a piece of paper. Under each name, print in big letters five or more things that are great about each person. Sign it with love and hugs and wish them a Merry Christmas.

When the cookies have cooled, roll them up and wrap them with Christmas wrapping paper. Attach the names and list of compliments securely with tape and then put a colourful bow on top. How many people get five compliments and a bunch of freshly made cookies for Christmas? Your gifts will delight your family.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My boyfriend and I have been dating for three months. We plan to marry eventually. His ex-wife (with whom he shares two girls) feels the need to be actively involved in his life.

He has been cutting all ties with her, financially and socially, but she doesn’t get the hint. She calls and texts him several times a day about anything and everything. She texted me and called me the other day to let me know she would never steal him from me.

He has nothing but hatred for her and says their relationship was toxic. She says she is happy with her own boyfriend.

I’m unsure how to react. I find it weird that she is being overly friendly and eager to stay actively involved in our life. He has blocked her phone number in the past.

I told him I wouldn’t tell him what to do, but that I found it weird and crazy. Her calls usually have nothing to do with the kids. He doesn’t engage in the conversations too much and just tries to remain pleasant.

Maybe I feel a tad annoyed his ex is keeping in so much contact with him, like he never left. I left it in his hands how to handle her. I know he’d never go back to her, that’s not my issue. The question is, why is she calling and texting all the time?

— Back Off, Winnipeg

Dear Back Off: She calls and texts because it’s satisfying to her, on some level. She wants contact of any kind, and it’s an obsession now.

He scratches her itch when he listens and speaks to her. She may think she’s gained ground in her campaign each time they have a conversation that doesn’t end in a fight. She speaks to you, only to make herself look like nice. But, really, it’s to keep him speaking to her, so she can make some headway. Don’t speak to her anymore yourself, and block that alley.

Ask him to stop entertaining her calls. Why did he unblock her? That’s an important question you should ponder. If he won’t stop taking her calls, you may have to accept that he’s hooked into this unhealthy behaviour. Do you want a lifetime of this craziness? You may have to say goodbye if he is also part of the problem.

He’s an impetuous guy. You’ve only dated him for three months and already there’s talk of you getting married. This is not a man who thinks things through and takes his time.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave. Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

   Read full biography