December 1977

DRINKING & THE HOLIDAYS: HOW TO WATCH OUT FOR THE OTHER GUY (AND YOURSELF)

Every year at this time we're barraged from all sides by "Don't drink and drive" messages. That's still the best advice-- but unfortunately, not enough of us take it seriously.

The ins and outs of HOLIDAY TRAVEL

No doubt about it, we're a traveling population all year round. But when the holidays come, the number of people on the go escalates. Then it seems as if all the country is in line at the airport or else on the highway. And it's during these times that transportation systems, accommodations, and other services are strained to the breaking point by sheer numbers and possibly bad weather.

TAXES: Are you making the most of medical deductions?

Taking maximum advantage of medical deductions should be a key part of tax planning for many families. Since in most cases you can only deduct medical costs that exceed three percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI), spotting every legitimate expense for deduction is crucial.

Year-end tips to cut your tax bill

If you act before Father Time once again trades in his long white beard for diapers, you may be able to cut your tax bill this year and possibly next. A key is to time the payment of deductible expenses and the receipt of income. Thanks to changes in the tax law, there are some new angles.

HOUSEPLANT HOW-TO

How to lay quarry or slate tile

Quarry or slate tiles are a good flooring choice for a high-traffic area of your home because they're as durable as they are attractive. Working with these rugged tiles is not particularly difficult. Here are some tips to help you do a professional-looking job.

Calculating clock

Home reference guide

Compact camera

Workbench for preschoolers

Button-free blender

Dustless router

Teaching typewriter

Backyard-size chain saw

Break-resistant glasses case

Beginner's loom

Remote-control van

Convertible hair dryer

Easy-to-handle iron

Lightweight power hammer

TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

A REGULAR FEATURE DESIGNED TO MAKE AROUND-THE-HOUSE JOBS EASIER FOR YOU

HOW TO CREATE AN EFFECT WITH STOCK MOLDINGS

What can you do if your living room has run-of-the-mill gypsum board walls and you want a colonial Williamsburg look? These homeowners turned the problem over to a designer who creatively used stock moldings to get the desired effect.

Make it a Christmas to remember...WITH TRADITIONAL AMERICAN STITCHERY

Welcome to our Christmas issue! This year our pages are brimming with extraordinary ways you can make this holiday the most memorable ever for your family. To begin, here is a lovely collection of stitchery projects for you to make. The calico bird and star ornaments in our tree, the quilts and pillows, the beautiful appliquéd skirt, and the fabric garlands were all inspired by traditional American quilt designs.

VACATION DISCOVERIES in the FLORIDA KEYS

There is a highway between sea and sky. It soars way out over the Gulf of Mexico, 158 miles in all, from Homestead, Florida, to old Key West, leaping from island to island on 42 bridges, with the blue above blending with the blue below. To travel this road is an adventure in itself: The Atlantic Ocean swells on your left, the sheltered, shallow Florida Bay, dotted with distant mangroves, on your right, and often there's nothing in sight but gulls or a cormorant diving for supper.

SPECIAL PACKAGE OF CHRISTMAS PATTERNS

YOU & YOUR SCHOOL BOARD: HOW TO MAKE YOUR IDEAS COUNT

What if there's no art program in your child's elementary school, and you and a friend from the local artists guild want to start an after-school session for interested youngsters?

How to order material from the magazine

VARIABLE STAR CRIB QUILT Such a beautiful gift of love for your favorite child. Simple-to-make, quilt package includes all precut pieces of washable, permanent-press fabric in red and white prints and solids, and complete instructions for quilt top. (You add backing and batting of your choice.) Crib quilt will finish to a delightful 40 by 57 inches, perfect for bedtime comforter or daytime cuddling. (Quality Dacron batting available below.)

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The Man Next Door

Although medical science has conquered many childhood ills, Dr. Bob Hannelly concedes that youngsters seem to be afflicted as much as ever with whatever it is that wakes them up at 5 a.m. on Christmas morning.