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DEAR READERS: Merry Christmas to everybody celebrating the season! Special warmth goes out to people experiencing a tough holiday season because of health or financial struggles, or those unable to be together with loved ones.

If you’re low on funds to buy presents for those close to you, let me tell you about a very special gift you can conjure up at the last minute. They are homemade “love-and appreciation” lists and cost next to nothing, yet can feel extremely valuable to those who receive them.

On some nice, decorated paper (or whatever you can manage) wish your loved one a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays in big lettering at the top. Then, underneath, write a list of their qualities, deeds and quirks, and why they’re important to you. Examples of attributes could be things such as a big smile, crazy jokes, kindness to animals, warm hugs, beautiful laugh, Earth-shaking snores, generosity or a willingness to always listen and be there for people.

If you have some colourful cord or a little ribbon, roll the list up like a scroll and tie it nicely. Your list can be long or short, but you can be sure a lengthier inventory will thrill the recipient. Loving, handmade offerings such as this may be kept and treasured for a long time.

So here’s to creativity and thoughtfulness, and a very happy holiday season.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m hoping you’ll answer ASAP because I’m so miserable. I’m not sleeping because I told an “untruth” about a woman I know and I got a job she wanted. I can’t seem to muster up a confession to fix things with her.

I want to try to fix it before the end of the year because I feel sick about it, but I’m such a wuss. Would it be so wrong to ask one of my friends to come with me when I finally go to confess? I know that might make me look even weaker — but it just can’t wait.

Today I found out where this woman I wronged could get a similar job in January at a different company, and they’re hiring soon. I have to do something now.

— Repentant Schemer, North End

Dear Schemer: Imagine how you would feel if a sorry person came to you with a confession they needed to make. What if they brought a supporter along to help get them through the door? Not such a big deal.

The important thing is the friend who offended (that’s you) is truly sorry, wants to confess and, in your case, actually knows a way to right the wrong. But you’ll have to move quickly, or that new job opportunity mat be gone.

Once the confession is made, you’ll be able to start sleeping again and that will be your reward. How your friend is going to take the news is another question.

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.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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