Dear Heloise: We'll be spending hours wrapping Christmas and Hannukah gifts in a few weeks, using a lot of paper sourced from forest trees that would be better left standing. I hate wrapping! I've come up with an alternative that has saved me hours of work and saves trees as well!

I buy pretty holiday-themed cloth on sale. I then make simple rectangular bags in a variety of sizes and sew a ribbon on the outside near the top of the bag. These bags can be used over and over again, and they take only seconds to "wrap" a present in!

You can even choose prints that reflect the recipient's favorite activity (fish for my fisherman husband). You don't need to be fussy about the size; I just make book-sized, shirt-sized, and large toy-sized bags. By using a variety of prints, my tree looks very festive on Christmas morning!

-- Kathleen Braico, via email

PHYSICAL NEWSPAPERS

Dear Heloise: At 83 years of age, I prefer a physical newspaper that gets delivered to the front door before breakfast as I like to eat and read the newspaper. Our newspaper company has stopped printing a physical newspaper on Mondays and on most holidays. I certainly do not want to eat breakfast in front of my computer while I try to read the news (and perhaps spill coffee on my keyboard). So, that is my word on newspapers.

-- Marvin Tiffany, in York, Nebraska

WATER SHUT-OFF HINT

Dear Heloise: Be sure to warn readers that if they're turning off the water in their house, they should first turn off any appliances (water heaters) that depend on the house water supply to function, so as to avoid any damage.

-- Duane Goza, via email

NEW WEDDING TRENDS

Dear Heloise: I am chiming in on Carla W.'s lament concerning her granddaughter's plan to charge her guests to attend her wedding. This totally takes away from a guest's sense of respect and value. To witness the exchange of vows and pledge to support the couple emotionally and spiritually is a privilege and duty. But to pay for this privilege? No way!

Some weddings these days have gotten out of hand while losing their heart. So much money goes to "putting on a show" that is over in several hours. In addition, there are extravagant bridesmaid and groomsmen getaways beforehand, a pre-rehearsal dinner for out-of-town guests, and a brunch the day after the wedding.

Brides and groom everywhere, consider a modest yet meaningful ceremony and reception that will be fondly remembered by all who attend. Start a new trend!

-Anne R., in San Jose

DOGGY D00-DOO

Dear Heloise: I keep a small pail with a well-fitting lid at my house and place a trash bag liner into the pail. When walking the dog, I use doggy bags to pick up the poop, carry it home, and put it into the pail. When the weekly garbage collection is due, I tie a knot in the liner and place it in the trash.

It's best to keep the pail a short distance from your door and in the shade. Rinse it out weekly and let it air-dry. Problem solved!

- C. Bram, via email

Contact Heloise at: Heloise@Heloise.com.