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I鈥檓 a long way from childhood and still,聽every year, the first sightings of聽Christmas lights and sounds of Yuletide tunes re-awaken long-ago youthful stirrings of joy-filled anticipation.

Dear Debbie: I was not able to decorate and shop this year due to an accidental fall, which left me incapacitated for a few months. I聽discovered how little was needed to make my home feel festive.

Dear Helen: Are motion-activated sprinklers effective at keeping deer out of gardens? I believe I鈥檝e tried just about everything else, with no success at lessening the destruction these animals have visited upon my once lovely garden. M.D.

Dear Tony: Our strata corporation has been having the 鈥渂an live-cut Christmas trees鈥� debate for several years without much success.

Dear Debbie: We have repainted our living/dining space in a pale sage green. With all the Christmas decorations adorning the walls, the room is very inviting and festive.

I鈥檓 busy these days with secateurs, raffia, and sweet bay prunings, making simple swags for friends and neighbours. This weekend I鈥檒l be pruning back some of the fir and cedar branches overhanging my side fences.

There is no better way to experience a true Victorian-style Christmas than to visit one of Victoria鈥檚 landmark homes 鈥� Craigdarroch Castle.

Dear Tony: I am on the first strata council of a new building in metro Vancouver and we are having some challenges trying to determine our obligations.

Dear Helen: My mother is very fond of chrysanthemums. I鈥檇 like to give her a potted 鈥渕um鈥� for Christmas, but I鈥檓 told they are very difficult house plants. Is this true? G.C.

Many people I speak with these days are intent on simplifying and paring down 鈥� the pace of their lives, their possessions. A motto on my fridge reminds me: 鈥淒iscard everything that is not useful, beautiful or loved.