December 1986

A Christmas Eve Celebration

Our theme for this issue, "Coming Home To Christmas," is a little ironic to me personally because this may be the first time in more than 30 years that my wife, Gerrianne, and I won't have any of our children at home on Christmas morning. Sarah, our youngest, was married in August.

TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO SHARE

The holidays bring out the spirit of sharing in all of us. What better time could there be to introduce your children to this loving habit?

POINSETTIAS

TRADITIONS

MANTELS

GIFT WRAPS

CENTERPIECES

Freshness Test

CHRISTMAS TREES

Wreaths

Gifts for Kids

TABLE SETTINGS

Christmas Cards

STEPPING UP TO A FRESH START

SPECIAL HELPERS FOR A VERY SPECIAL GIRL

ONCE A DOCTOR, ALWAYS A DOCTOR

BUILDING HOUSES AND FRIENDS

A HELPING HAND FOR SINGLE PARENTS

THE EVERYDAY SANTA CLAUS

HAVE WHEELS, WILL HELP

HEART TO HEART

SET A HOLIDAY MOOD

Almost everything about the holiday season-- the sights, the sounds, the activities, and even the fragrances-- can be made extra special.

FOR A SAFE AND MERRY HOLIDAY

Along with the joys of the season, come special situations that can put you and your family at risk of injury. Minimize the possibility of accident by following this advice from the National Safety Council and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

THE GREAT PACKAGE SEND-OFF

With far-flung friends and family the norm these days, most of us need to send packages to distant places. Here are your main choices:

GIFTS BY MAIL

Short on shopping time? Consider these mail-order selections. They cover a range of prices and are suitable for almost anyone.

HOMETOWN CELEBRATION

The memories and customs of Christmas that we treasure are an important part in how each of us celebrates the yuletide season. This year, we've packed our pages with nostalgic ornaments, decorating and gift ideas to help recall each of those Christmases past.

COZY, WOODLAND NEW YEAR'S

Rough-hewn charm carries the warmth of Christmas into the New Year.

NUTRITION INFORMATION WITH EVERY RECIPE

To help you keep track of the calories, protein, fat, cholesterol, and sodium you consume each day, we include the amounts of these nutrients by gram weight per individual recipe serving for every recipe we publish.

TRAVELING DUO

VCR MULTIPLYING

MINI SPEAKER

HOW TO ORDER

Kits, patterns, and charts for the projects shown in this issue were specially created for our readers and are exclusive Better Homes and Gardens designs (not available in stores).

CARE-FREE HOLIDAY TRAVEL

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

Liz Randall, mother of six, reports that buying gifts for her kids isn't the budget-buster you might think. "Every time another came along, everyone else shortened their wish list a little." I guess that's one more example of the "balance of nature."