
Gifting and Re-Gifting
Merry Christmas to all of my readers. I agree with the song that it is the most wonderful time of the year. A special Christmas greeting to Pastor Dennis Ellison in Wisconsin, who told me that he reads this column every week.In spite of the general merriment however, too many people are confused about the etiquette of giving gifts and re-gifting. Single relatives spend way too much in buying for each member of their relatives’ families, while they often receive only one gift per family.A good idea is to buy a family gift that they all can use instead of buying something for each that falls short of individual expectations. Another idea is to discuss with adult relatives that gifts only be bought for children.Adults might want to reconsider asking for the gift list, as children have no idea of how expensive their toys might be. Gift cards can be sent toward the gift instead of purchasing the gift that costs hundreds of dollars.If re-gifting must be done, it is poor etiquette to re-gift something strictly because it is not needed or liked by the initial recipient. Only re-gift if that gift is a better fit for someone else, such as a coffee table cookbook for someone who loves cooking, etc.YOUR BEST APPEARANCE: Rejuvenate your hair and scalpDo not underestimate the power of your hairstyle and hair color to remove or add years to your appearance. If you have not changed either in many years, it might be time for a new look.During this holiday season, take a chance and change your hair color and style. You might be surprised at the results.Use highlights around the face for a vibrant and youthful look. After a certain age, avoid black hair color, which can make the skin look too pale. Light hair around the face makes the face look vibrant.Bangs also help the face to have a youthful appearance. Bangs can cover forehead wrinkles and can also make the cheeks look fuller.Phillipa Morrish is the president of Etiquette Training International.











SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.