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Christmas is Marilyn Schmah鈥檚 favourite time of the year, a trait that seems to run through the generations.

Dear Debbie: I need to repaint a bedroom that has painted panelling, but it looks like the panelling is warped. I cannot afford to replace the panelling at this time. What can I do to cover it up? D.D.

Dear Helen: I鈥檓 disappointed to聽see that the 鈥渟prouts鈥� on my Brussels sprouts are open and leafy rather than tight and button-like. What might have caused this? G.P.

Linda Holmwood adores decorating her home for Christmas. Garlands up the staircase, rivers of red ribbons, a table set with glittering lights and silver accents on the mantle are just some of the decorative touches she adds to the holidays.

Dear Helen: My two small children have begun to express an interest in gardening. What would you suggest as Christmas gifts to nurture their interest? I鈥檇 like as well to find a project or two that would help to keep up that interest until spring. R.

Dear Tony: The Richmond RCMP has identified a growing number of problems with mail theft in strata corporations and other multi-family properties.

Like clockwork every fall, the Plant World Seeds catalogue arrives from Newton Abbot in Devon, England, in the last week of October.

I don鈥檛 know where November evaporated to, but here we are in December 鈥� a month greeted by some with delight and by others with galloping trepidation.

Dear Helen: When is the best time to divide dahlias? I鈥檝e heard it can be done in either spring or聽fall. Do you have a preference? A.D. I prefer to divide clumps of dahlia tubers in the spring.

Dear Debbie: We are holding the family holiday dinner this year and I am conflicted about how to set the table. We have a long-established tradition of using the classic white tablecloth, crystal glasses, fine china 鈥� you get the picture.