I have my share of Christmas traditions. They include a tabletop tree, gift buying, and Christmas cookies. Another tradition involves something I read. Each year I read the O’Henry short story The Gift of the Magi. It’s been one of my favorite short stories since childhood. The Gift of ...

I’ve been waiting for winter. I know logically that winter began with the solstice on December 21st, but until we experience at least one significant snowfall I am filled with doubt. I am not a winter sport enthusiast or anything like that, but I do enjoy walking in the snow with my dog. She ...

Some people might not consider Christmas over just yet. According to some traditions and a certain famous song, it lasts for 12 days. And, at least in the song, with each day comes extravagant gifts; the first of which is repeated every verse: a partridge in a pear tree. It’s clearly the ...

Dear Heloise: Next year, I will be eligible to vote for the first time. How do I register to vote in my state? -- Lisa G., Dillon, South Carolina Lisa, it’s really simple. Just go to vote.gov to start the process. Select your state or territory, and depending on your state’s rules, you ...

Dear Annie: My 16-year-old daughter is relentless in begging me to have a sleepover with her boyfriend. She insists they are not sexually active and that she simply wants to hang out with him, watch movies and sleep next to him. For some reason, nothing I say to explain why my answer is no ...

Dear Readers: Do not toss out margarine tubs or yogurt cups with lids. They can be reused to hold a variety of small items such as twist-ties, toothpicks, paper clips, magnets, push pins and corncob holders. -- Heloise PROTECTING FAMILY PHOTOS Dear Readers: Fires, floods and other ...