DEAR ABBY: With the economic problems so many people are having, I thought I'd share a holiday gift suggestion with you.
Years ago, I realized my nephew was receiving more toys than he could ever enjoy, so I gave him a Christmas ornament instead. He was only 5 or 6 at the time, so I'm not sure he really appreciated it then. However, as more nieces and nephews came along, I continued the tradition of giving them ornaments.
They all grew to treasure their personal ornaments and took great delight in having something of their own to hang on the tree each year. -- DAVID S. IN MINNEAPOLIS
DEAR DAVID S.: Thank you for sharing a wonderful idea. I'm sure that now your nieces and nephews are grown, hanging those ornaments on their own trees has special significance.
I knew a woman years ago who used to craft gorgeous Christmas tree ornaments using Styrofoam balls decorated with ribbons, sequins and beads. They were special not only because of the love and work she put into them, but also because they were entirely unique.