42 ~- Sunday. December 16, 1990 - North Shore News LIFESTYLES Deliver gifts, but please aman don’t stick around forever Ca DEAR MISS MANNERS — We enjoy taking baskets of baked goods and fruit to our friends and neighbors, and we like to do it close to Christmas, on the 23rd or even the morning of the 24th. Of course things are then at their most hectic, but doing it earlier makes me feel somewhat commer- cial (as in ‘‘Now you have time enough for a return gift’’), and there is no point in doing it later. The problem starts when friends and neighbors ask us in. My husband thinks it is rude to refuse, while [ feel we should deliver baskets and greetings, and be on our way. Sometimes there are relatives visiting, or a party in progress, or baking in need of attention, and almost always the house is in chaos. When it is that close to Christmas, I just don’t think it is right (o drop in on someone. The same happens to. our children, who like to go caroling but rarely make it to more than three houses, because of constant invitations. Must we altogether? give up baskets Should we just set aside more time? Or cut down on : deliveries? Are Christmas baskets ‘tout’? GENTLE READER — Well, Christmas baskets are not exactly all the rage, as you well know from the lack of return traffic as you go on your festive mission. The iast Miss Manners seems to remember, they were being delivered to the poor by those nice March sisters in Littke Women. But your version of the custom charms Miss Manners. By keeping CHILDREN’S AXT NOW IN STOCK Sizes 2-6 $99.99 Children’s Shoes Capilano Mall 986-4450 Judith Nartin MISS MANNERS your baskets madest (as opposed to, say, cellophane-and-ribbon wrapped fruit arrangements from the gourmet emporium) and delivering them at the last minute, you make them appear a courtesy HEARING LOSS? See us for good hearing rather than an obligation. Your appearance should have the same effect, so Miss Manners tends to agree with you about not accepting on-the-spot invitations. A omerry wave and the call “Thank you, but we have more deliveries to make’’ will properly acknowledge the proffered hospi- tality. But although holidays are hectic for many people, they are also somewhat more flexible socially. Lots of people do make rounds then, cramming in multiple visits, and many households especially gear themselves then to such com- ings and goings. It is not quite the same as ordinary dropping in, which Miss Manners joins you in deploring. She expects you to. exercise judgment about the quality of the invitation. Those who have a seated dinner under way, and ask you to stomp the snow off your boots and join in, may be more troubled than thrilled if you do. aid service — sales, repairs, f batteries and advice. Government Licensed. ASK ABOUT OUR TRIAL SERVICE. North Western Hearing Centre Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-1 = THE BOOT PEOPLE 985-5552 1910 Lonsdale North Vancouver . xSpecial Salex | ‘gge Mt Cowhide Ba Snake Skin | Shark 159 Lizard *183° Rattlesnake 99° Python (snake) 24" ae oe 5 No. 1 Boot Retailer in: 89. 7200 styles o over 3, 000. Pairs i in-stock 4 148 E. Broadway at Main Vancouver 879-4500 arrival FStO7 Sat to 5:30 Sun. Noonto 5 High School Driver Training Courses For registration and starting dates: Carson Graham Handsworth W.V.S.S. Sentinel Seycove Windsor Sutheriand Road ey *4/94 . 15/94 1. 28/91 . 28/91 . 29/91 . 29194 . A194 oo wy obey Jan. Room 209 at Room 219 at Room 236 at Room 300 at Room 212 at Room 211 at Room 304 at 3:20 3:30 3:15 3:00 3:15 3:30 3:15 rs Girt ry CERTIFICATES. "AVAILAE ABLE. Et conti by had itd Driving Schoo! Ltd. in cooperation with the North & West Van Schoo! Boards For further information cali 988- 1138 Leader in High Schoo! Driver Training since 1961 t i | t | : t wn 20" at 3:30 ' ry t ' t t t Se ee ee | SHOP THE FLYERS > wednesday * Sears * Eaton's Save-On-Foods > friday Watch for our Real Estate Homes section. > sunday Shoppers Drug Mart Safeway * Woolco * SuperValu * Consumers Distributing Tht WORCE C9 HORTTH AND EET aNCOUWES forth shore, Wi you miss any of these flyers call North Shore News Distribution 986-1337 * delivered to selected areas only SUNDAY © WEOMEEDAY + URIDAY Home to your best years 64 Oceanview DEST years 1,079 -1,932 Sq.Ft. PRICED FROM $129,900 GST does not apply to new homes purchased before Dec. 31, 1990. For a complete list of the numerous features offered in these quality townhomes, please call: Lynda Avis at 754-6884 24 Hours ‘ourtesy to Realtors Sales Office Gpen Daily 1 - 5 pm G9 HARBOUR HEIGHTS 1080 Highview Terrace Off Haliburton at Petroglyph Provincial Park Nanaimo, British Columbia