There are worse things the kids could be doing: Procter & Gamble, makers of household cleaning products, suggest you wrap the kids' shoes with masking tape, sticky-side out, then have them stamp around the Christmas tree to pick up loose needles.
. . . But not the Christmas scrub
While rockin' around the Christmas tree, have you spilled a glass of red wine or cranberry juice on a light-colored carpet? Here's what to do. Mix half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a cup of warm water, then apply with a damp towel. Apply white vinegar to any remaining stain. Blot with a clean towel or white paper towels. Don't rub or scrub; that makes the stain worse.
Light up your holiday
Our annual list of holiday lights displays is available on our Web site: www.sptimes.com/holidaylights Click on an address to see a map that shows you how to get there.
Bring joy to the world
Every year we offer suggestions from a favorite book, The Little Book of Christmas Joys. Here are a couple to see you through this week: Enjoy a couple of meals illuminated only by the Christmas tree. Pay the toll for the car behind you. Let other cars pull in front of you. Yield the close-in parking space. Be nice to sales personnel. They are probably wearier than you are.
