Give yourself help in staying healthy — get a flu shot

Hello dear readers and welcome to the it’salmost-winter edition of our monthly letters column. The weather has changed, and so have your concerns, moving from the ticks and mosquitoes of summer, to colds and the dreaded flu.

Parent wants son to feel proud of family

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son goes to a private school with some very wealthy people. They don’t generally flaunt their wealth, but around the holidays, it becomes apparent. Most of my son’s friends are traveling to different parts of the world for the end of the year. We, on the other hand, live modestly.

Daughter traumatized by rappers’ deaths

SENSE & SENSITIVITY DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter loves rap music, and she is very upset right now. She says that her favorite artists keep dying. She went to a music festival a couple of months ago, and one of the artists, Juice Wrld, just died, possibly from an accidental overdose.

Use these tips, protect your holiday deliveries

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you are buying gifts for other people or treating yourself with seasonal deals, the holiday season usually means a spike in packages delivered to your place of residence.

Couple quarrels over money spent on their granddaughter

DEAR ABBY DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are retired and financially comfortable. I have my spending money, and he has his. The problem is, he doesn’t want me to spend any money on my granddaughter.

Next year’s tax tips for small business owners

When you completed last year’s small business tax return, did you run into surprises? Deductions you could no longer take? Changes in the tax code that left you regretting choices you made last year?

Mom-to-be’s choice of mentor falls short on disciplining kids

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I were recently matched with a child in an adoption. I’m not experienced with children, but my neighbor “Kara” has two kids around the same age as our future son. I like Kara and really want our child and me to spend time with her family.

Reader respects mother-in-law’s religion

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mother-in-law is Jehovah’s Witness. She explained to me that this means she doesn’t celebrate any holidays. Her husband is a more mainstream Christian, so he does celebrate. I’m so confused as to how to honor my mother-in-law and include her in our family festivities.

Woman serving time fears boyfriend’s love will fade

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 25-year-old female currently serving a nine-year prison sentence. It is the first time I have ever been in trouble (wrong place, wrong time). My boyfriend is 24. We’ve been together 2 1/2 years and have had our ups and downs (mostly ups).

Not all tremors point to parkinson’s disease

Dear Doctor: My wife does calligraphy, but she’s having trouble because her hands have started shaking. She’s worried it’s Parkinson’s disease. What else could be the cause?