Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/611484
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Withweeksto go, the holiday fallout has already begun. By 8:30 this morn- ing my sister was on the phone criticizing our weak family, wanting to ignore getting together. But she agreed to host the holiday meal because it is her favorite holiday — as long as no one brings any casse- roles to her house and she doesn't have to deal with an aunt and cousin who recently lost a daughter and sister to breast cancer. My sister is having some depression issues and crying spells. Is there any way to prevent more anger and hurt feelings this holiday? —S DEAR S » Is ruefully laughing (to yourself) an option? Because read- ing this rant about the holiday season, with the details about the depres- sion and crying jags, as well as the prohibition against casseroles — all of this makes for a classic red letter holiday. Becaus e of what is going on in her life, your sister may need to try to control every aspect of this get-together, but re- member — you don't need to. You are not required to control anyone or anything. You should do your best to be light, kind, calm and generous, espe- cially toward your family members who are griev- ing from a tragic loss. If you are able to pull this off, you might locate a shred of seasonal joy. This joyful feeling is a shape shifter; sometimes it accompanies seasonal music; sometimes it even takes the shape of a cheesy casserole. But the joy is out there, waiting to be retrieved and brought into the house. DEAR AMY » My husband and I do not have chil- dren. We have 15 nieces and nephews and six great-nieces and great- nephews. They range in age from 6 months to 35 years old. In the past we gave gifts to all of them for their birthdays and Christmas. Some of our siblings will give us a small Christmas gift from the kids, most of them don't even acknowledge the gifts. This past year money has been tight. We want to have a cutoff age, but are unsure how to do it. Is there a certain age? Help! The holidays are approaching and we don't want it to be awkward. — Unsure Aunt DEAR UNSURE » I think it's a good idea to stop giving to children once they're out of high school, but this is dependent on your relationships. You should not feel like you have to kill yourself to give gifts. If you assume your fam- ily members will behave well, they might surprise you. If you can afford it, you and your husband might purchase one gift through Heifer Inter- national (heifer.org) to share. I see that you can buy a flock of chickens for $20. The organization donates the chickens you have purchased to a hun- gry family in a faraway place — and you have the pleasure of telling your family that this has been done in their honor. Joy is a shape shifter during the stressful holiday season You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Verify every piece of information that comes your way. Accuracy will make a huge contribution to your success. Don't underestimate anything. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You can't buy love, but you can go into debt trying. If you want to spend money, purchase something that will grow in value. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Voice your opinion and in- teract with people you feel have something to contribute. Plan a social evening and express your concerns. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your emotional life will suffer if you haven't been hon- est about the way you feel or what you want. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't let your anger mount or interfere with your productivity. Getting along with others will be far more conducive to success than disagreeing with them and halting progress. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Sudden changes regarding dubious investments may cause loss and/or damage to your reputation. Get some advice from those you trust. Roman- tic opportunities can develop through unusual circumstances. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Plan to have some fun. Travel, physical activities and entertainment will give you a new lease on life and ease the emotional stress you face. Love will conquer all. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your ability to get things done will help you avoid a dispute. Keeping busy is your best course of action against some- one looking for a fight. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Make special plans for yourself and someone you love. Whether you take a short trip, attend an entertaining event or host a get- together at home, your generos- ity will be appreciated. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't overreact to emotional disappointments. Get all the facts and look for a solution that will ensure no one gets hurt or feels alienated. Activi- ties that involve children will be enlightening. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Shop for something that will lift your spirits and boost your confidence. Taking better care of your physical and mental states will pay off. Romance is in the stars. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Home-improvement projects will be money and effort well spent. Your unique ideas will help you stand out and be no- ticed by people of distinction. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, DEC. 4 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015 6 B