Miss L’s cure for the Christmas blues

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/12/2018 (2846 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: The Christmas spirit has eluded me this year; it’s like nothing is happening to make me feel warm towards friends and family.

It worries me that I’m so cold and blasé when others around me are cheery and enjoying their friends in front of the fire. Why don’t more people call or send cards, or just come and visit? My door is always open and the coffee is on.

What’s wrong with people that they don’t look up their old friends and neighbours and relatives anymore?

Where did they all disappear to? I just don’t get it.

— Untouched by Christmas Warmth, St. James

Dear Untouched: Why are you sitting there with your coffee pot, waiting to receive? There’s still time to start the ball rolling by giving from your end. Start by making a list of 15 people from your old neighbourhoods, some relatives you haven’t spoken to for a time and people you used to know from school or clubs. Make the effort to look them up, and get in touch by phone, email or Facebook. Make 25 contacts and see what comes back. Life is ebb and flow, give and take. This year, you’re the tide rolling in to touch others. Let me know how it goes after you make some calls on your list. And happy holidays!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I ate way too much last Christmas dinner, and accidently finished with a belch so loud everybody roared laughing. I have been teased about that big burp ever since. One cousin wouldn’t let up imitating me at family birthdays all year. We’re a big close family and see each other a lot — maybe too much.

I was thinking of of getting a whoopee cushion and placing it under my cousin at Christmas dinner. What do you think? My brother says it’s too gross. He’s 15 and I’m 13.

— Wanting Revenge Badly! St. Vital

Dear Revenge: You’re young, so get him back after dinner breaks up and everybody leaves the table. A good time would be when you’re playing games away from the table with your other cousins. The adults would not find it funny, but since the young cousins have been razzing you, get the worst one back when the old fogies aren’t around.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Is it OK to re-gift if you get a present that doesn’t suit you as much as someone else on your own list? My mother says it’s rude, but I have a sister who’d really like what my second-best friend is giving me. She already blabbed. I’ll have it the day before Christmas when we get together for lunch, and I could re-wrap it for my sister. Should I take the chance?

— Newbie at Re-Gifting, East Kildonan

Dear Re-Gifting: Is it worth hurting a friend? If she is close enough that she comes to your house, then there’s a chance she will see the gift in your sister’s possession and be hurt. If you can afford it, just lend the gift to your sister to use once in awhile, and get your sister another gift that’s unique and really from you.

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

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