Dear Agnes,
What do I get my parents for Christmas?
Dear Santa,
For your mom, you could opt for getting her relaxing gifts. The pressure of taking care of kids is always going to be tough, but you could help lighten the load. On the pricier end, heated foot massagers are sold online. They range from about $80-$120, and your mom would be very happy with this. Skincare like masks, facial creams, and face washes can run you a little cheaper, and if you know your mom’s favorite brand, that’s even better! For those of you short on money, a nice homemade version of her favorite food would be a heart-warming and stress-reducing touch. Just don’t forget to do the dishes after! For the bearded dads, a beard-care kit would be a thoughtful touch and allow your dad to dabble in some self-care. Dads into sports could all benefit from a Dick’s gift card to buy their favorite golf balls, polos, or even tickets to upcoming football or basketball games. Gifts like a new robe or some comfy socks or slippers would go perfectly for any parent out there during this cold season. We do live in Oregon, after all!
Dear Agnes,
How do I save money?
Dear Shopoholic,
I’ll start by saying that this is about to be hypocritical because I’m not good at saving money; however, I have some solutions. If you spend money on unnecessary things like coffee or eat fast food too often, limit yourself to how many times you go per week. Try budgeting and putting a certain amount of money into a savings account. If you have recurring expenses such as phone payments or streaming services like Netflix, put money aside for those, too. If you don’t want to do this manually (which I’m sure none of us do), you can download apps such as EveryDollar or Goodbudget. These apps help you organize your funds and keep track of how much money you’re spending. Try to only spend money on things you NEED versus things you WANT. If you can make it at home, there’s a good chance you don’t need it.
Dear Agnes,
How do I stay sane with my family around all the time?
Dear Relatable Teen,
With the holidays coming around, nerves are bound to be grated. During times of peril, walking outside, excusing yourself to your room to scream into your pillow, chugging a glass of cold water, and beating up a stuffed animal are all acceptable forms of stress relief. Bonus points if you’re mad at your sibling and it’s their stuffed animal you beat up. In times of stress such as these, try your best to make some time for yourself. Read a book huddled up in some blankets, or maybe opt for taking a bubble bath. Remember, no matter how stressful the holidays can become, they’re always bound to end. Regardless of your situation, try your best to find some joy where you can. Your friends will always be there for you, and they’re most likely just a call away. Good luck!
