Cindy's Christmas Vacation At The Birch Street Nursing Home

Today to provide some holiday cheer at the Birch Street Nursing Home, I put on the Santa hat with real cat fur trim that I found in the basement at home this morning, and took the bag of candy that Allie gave me and distributed it to all the patients who made it to the activity room. Mr. Matthews insisted he share his candy cane with me.

Grandmother Winsome's Christmas Message

If the holidays have gotten you down, Kiddies, don't kill yourselves. There will be plenty of new Grandmother's Fanny Game blog posts to look forward to in the new year.

Cindy’s Christmas Vacation At The Birch Street Nursing Home

Today to provide some holiday cheer at the Birch Street Nursing Home, I took down all the stockings with names of patients who have died this past year.

Cindy's Christmas Vacation At The Birch Street Nursing Home

Today to provide some holiday cheer at the Birch Street Nursing Home, I drew a picture of a Christmas tree and hung it on the wall of the activity room since the patients there do not have a real tree.

Cindy's Christmas Vacation At The Birch Street Nursing Home

Today to provide some holiday cheer at the Birch Street Nursing Home, I helped Mr. Matthews hang mistletoe in his room.

Winsome Family Christmas Tips

Kiddies, it's time to revisit some of your favorite Winsome Family Christmas Tips from years past.

• Don't get a terminally ill person a long book as a Christmas gift.  
• If you're unsure what to get someone for Christmas this year, keep in mind that one gift that is always appreciated is the promise of a strong alibi.  
• Remember, lots of people get sick at this time of year, so illness is a believable excuse if you wish to avoid seeing certain relatives. Telling them you don't feel up for a visit isn't really a lie, is it? 
• Use the socks of loved ones who have died in the past year as Christmas stockings. This will keep them present for one final holiday. Don't bother using baby's socks, however, as not much will fit in them.  
• Remember on Christmas to take a moment to think of those less fortunate than you. That's a good way to provide a much needed chuckle during this sometimes stressful holiday.

Cindy's Christmas Vacation At The Birch Street Nursing Home

Today to provide some holiday cheer at the Birch Street Nursing Home, I swapped out the patients’ pills for the more festive red and green candies.

Fanny Mail: A Christmas Question From San Francisco

Hi, Kiddies! Today I received an email from Oliver Tannenbaum of San Francisco, California. Oliver writes: "Dear Grandmother Winsome, every year for Christmas I receive a check from my grandmother for $25. The amount never changes, though my grandmother in recent years has actually become quite rich. This year I noticed that my aunt's name had been added to the check as an account holder, and it was done without any warning or explanation. How do I take my aunt's place in this role? Because then there will be no more of these paltry $25 checks."

Well, Oliver, you need to impress upon your grandmother that you are good with money, and that you have her best interests at heart. Or you could approach it from the angle that your aunt isn't any good with money. Perhaps she doesn't have a very good gambling record? Or maybe she's made poor investments in the past? Even if it's something from deep within your aunt's past, mentioning it will certainly jar your grandmother's memory. And, Sweetie, if this was a sudden decision on your grandmother's part, perhaps she isn't doing well, so you'll have to act quickly.

Cindy's Christmas Vacation At The Birch Street Nursing Home

Today to provide some holiday cheer at the Birch Street Nursing Home, I assisted the nurses by wrapping the patients’ possessions, so they’ll have something to open on Christmas.

Fanny Mail: A Request For Cindy

Hi, Kiddies! Today I received a letter from Mr. Matthews of the Birch Street Nursing Home. Mr. Matthews writes: "Dear Grandmother Winsome, it doesn't quite feel like Christmas around here. The staff put up some old decorations, but it's just not enough to get the residents to stop moping. A visit from Cindy would sure give us some holiday cheer."

What a great idea, Mr. Matthews! Cindy must have some time off from school for Christmas. Whenever I see her, I'll send her your way.

A Grandmother Winsome Christmas Tip

Rather than buying a gift for your maid, allow her to work a half day on Christmas. That way she'll be refreshed when you bring her in early on the 26th.

Fanny Mail: A Question About A Christmas Visit

Hi, Kiddies! This weekend I received an email from Stephen Hopkins of Boulder, Colorado. Stephen writes: "Dear Grandmother Winsome, in September for my fortieth birthday my great uncle gave to me a valuable painting that has been in the family for generations. Now he's planning a trip out to visit me this Christmas. With his failing health, I never imagined I'd see him again, let alone that he'd be able to fly all the way out here from Virginia.  But he said he'd really like to spend time with me once more before he passes, and mentioned that he looks forward to seeing where I’ve hung the painting. The truth is, I sold it to finance a memorable weekend in Las Vegas. What should I do?"

Well, Stephen, the important question to consider here is whether your great uncle has any other valuables. If so, then you should definitely welcome him into your home this holiday. When he arrives, tell him that the painting means so much to you that you decided to have the frame polished by professionals. Tell him that the people you chose come highly recommended, and because of that, they’re so busy this holiday that they won’t be able to complete the job until after the new year. That way, even if your great uncle stays for a week, he won’t expect to see the painting. If, on the other hand, this was the only valuable item you stand to inherit from him, then tell him you have other plans for the holiday.
 

Spread The Word

If you hit a parked car, you should always leave a note. And that note should say, “Follow the Grandmother’s Fanny Game blog."

Spread The Word

Help spread the word, Kiddies! Whenever you use the phrase "tickled pink," amend it to "tickled Grandmother Winsome pink."

Spread The Word

Help spread the word, Kiddies! If you are a fashion consultant, recommend to your clients that they wear Grandmother Winsome pink.