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THOUGHTFUL GIFTS FOR SENIORS ARE THOSE THAT LAST ALL YEAR 


DEAR ABBY: 
It's the time of year to consider what to buy people for 
Christmas gifts. As a senior who is also handicapped, I 
would like you to know about one of the nicest gifts I 
ever received. 

Last year, my neighbors presented me with a calendar. 
They told me to circle one day each month when
they could take me out to dinner. I selected the 15th. 
They pick me up and take me to a nice restaurant I
could never afford. I greatly enjoy their company. 

Each time I get into their car -- even in July -- 
I wish them a Merry Christmas. 
-- SENIOR IN RICHMOND HEIGHTS, OHIO 

DEAR SENIOR: 
What a terrific idea. It seems no sooner are the dishes 
put away from Thanksgiving dinner than it's time to
start Christmas and Hanukkah shopping. And that means 
it's time to publish my list of gift ideas for senior
citizens. 

Readers, if you plan on sending holiday gifts, first 
let me tell you what NOT to send. Forget the cologne,
aftershave and dusting powders unless you have first 
checked to see if they are welcome. Scents are
highly distinctive (no pun intended), and not every 
perfume works on every person. 

Never give a pet to anyone unless you are absolutely 
certain the person wants one and is able to properly
care for it. 

Do not give wine or liquor to people unless you're 
sure they imbibe. 

Candy, nuts, confections and fruitcakes make beautiful 
gifts for folks who aren't counting calories, but
have compassion for those who are, and don't lead 
them into temptation. 

With the price of groceries going through the roof, 
many people on fixed incomes would appreciate a gift
basket of goodies. How about small cans of tuna and 
chicken? Also include crackers, assorted flavored
instant coffees, herbal teas, soup 
mixes and cookies. 

Gift certificates are always welcome: for groceries, 
haircuts, manicures, dry cleaning, restaurant meals,
theater tickets, videos and department stores. And 
don't forget prepaid long-distance calling cards. 

Not all seniors drive, so bus passes and coupons for 
senior transportation or taxis are always welcome. 

Large-print calendars with family birthdays, 
anniversaries, etc., marked and personalized with family
photos make useful gifts, as do large-print address 
books with information transferred from the recipient's
records. 

Payment of utilities for a month or two can be sent 
directly to the utility -- then let the recipients 
know they have "extra" money to spend as they wish. 

A cordless phone or answering machine is a handy gift. 

Membership in a gym if the person wants to exercise. 

A magnifying glass. 

A cuddly robe and slippers with nonskid soles. 

Sweatpants, sweatshirts and jogging shoes. 

For someone who has a pet, send it a treat -- a can 
of dog or cat food, or a rawhide chewstick or catnip
toy. 

A subscription to a magazine or newspaper you know 
the person will enjoy is a thoughtful gift. 

Because medications are expensive, a gift certificate 
to the neighborhood pharmacy would be much
appreciated. (Trust me.) 

Stationery and stamps come in handy year-round. If 
you send them, be sure to include felt-tipped pens,
too. 

Loneliness is the ultimate poverty. Holidays can be 
depressing for people who are alone. So, if you know
someone who could use an outing, give him or her the 
best gift of all -- an invitation to have a meal with
you and your family. 

If you ain't givin', you ain't livin'! 

Dear Abby is written by Pauline Phillips and daughter Jeanne 
Phillips. 

COPYRIGHT 2001 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE 
--Thanks to Lady Bree!


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"Where there is hate, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light." 

        - St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
            Italian religious leader


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