DEAR ABBY: I am retired, divorced and never had children. My two sisters have four adult children between them. Their kids are all married and have children themselves.
Every Christmas there is a gift exchange, which I don't attend because I stay in Florida during the winter. At this stage in my life, I dread the holiday because it is expected that I spend a minimum of $50 per person for two dozen people.
I own some properties I am desperately trying to prepare for the market. At my age, I no longer need or want anything. It has reached a point where the "preferred" gift is money, which isn't the idea behind the Christmas holiday. How can I politely stop this habit? -- MRS. EBENEZER SCROOGE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
DEAR MRS. SCROOGE: You politely stop the habit by telling your sisters in advance that you are trying to prepare your properties for sale and money is limited. Therefore, you will be buying Christmas gifts only for your younger grandnieces and -nephews from now on (if you choose). Be sure to send the adults lovely holiday cards, however, so they know they are remembered.