Dear Heloise: In response to the reader from Nebraska who wrote in about paint splattering on her hair and clothes, here are two suggestions:

To avoid paint splattering, avoid filling a roller or brush with too much paint. Paint shouldn’t drop from a brush or a roller once it’s been dipped.

Equally, paint rhythmically. Avoid quick motions. Paint in smooth, steady strokes.

If all else fails, wear a light raincoat with a hood and a pair of gloves to cover your hands.

— Jane K., Pottsville, Pennsylvania

COUPON BOOK GIFT

Dear Heloise: To all the children (teens and older) wondering what to get their parents for Christmas, I think I have a solution. When my children were young, every Christmas, I would prepare a coupon book with a coupon for each month that was good for an adventure, a treat, or whatever their choice. Now that my kids are young adults with limited incomes, I’ve turned the tables.

For Christmas this year, I’ve asked them each for a coupon book that includes one coupon per month for an activity with them. I even told them I’d pay! We have enough stuff, so we really just want to spend time with them. Happy holidays to all!

— Theresa K., via email

Theresa, I like this idea. Not everybody wants material things under their tree. So many of us are busy these days, but time spent one-on-one with a parent is important. After all, it’s the parent who has the most influence on their children. Teaching them how to be a parent, along with having good manners, hygiene and values, shapes your child.

— Heloise

BRIGHT LIGHTS

Dear Heloise: Do car manufacturers ever try out the headlights on their vehicles? I bought a new car, and even when they’re on low, those LED lightsare so bright that other cars throw their high beams on at me and blind me. I took it back to the dealer to see about having them adjusted, but it would cost me $400. They already got a nice sum when I bought it.

— The Crawfords, via email

The Crawfords, I agree. I’ve been blinded by lights so bright that they made everything around me disappear from my sight. We need lights to see at night, but many manufacturers have overdone it with lights that have become dangerous.

— Heloise

WHEN PUTTING UP THE TREE

Dear Heloise: I have enjoyed your column in the Houston Chronicle for years. I would like to share this now that the Christmas trees have been put up. It has to do with artificial trees. Because they’re usually stored in a bag or box, you have to spread out the limbs when you setting up the tree. I find that wearing surgical plastic gloves protects my hands from chapping and getting roughed up while “fluffing” the limbs. Mostly everyone has gloves on hand now.

Wishing you and everyone a healthy, happy holiday!

— M.S., in Sugar Land, Texas

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