Dear Heloise: We are in the middle of the holiday season and are closing in on a new year. Maybe this is as good a time as any to make amends where it needs to be made, help someone less fortunate, or adopt a homeless animal from the shelters or one who lives on the street.

Let’s stop and put a couple of dollars in the cups of those who silently sit on our streets with signs as they battle cold weather and struggle with their mental health. They may have lost their jobs or homes, but this is the least of their problems — so many have lost all hope.

It’s time to make a telephone call to the people we’ve missed or who miss us. There are so many times an encouraging word makes all the difference in someone else’s life.

It’s not too late to get involved in doing our part to save the planet. Recycle and reuse items; contribute to worthy causes that touch your heart; and remember that we are the only guardians of this planet. We need to clean it up, not use it up, before we hand it off to the next generation.

It’s a perfect time for governments all over the world to come together and put aside their differences. Life may not be easy, but it can get better if each of us do our part to improve the planet and stretch out a helping hand to those in need.

Even under the best of circumstances, it really is a short life. Make yours count! Making a difference in someone’s life or with a cause you feel passionate about is important.

Have a very merry holiday season, and best wishes to all in the coming new year! — N.D., in North Carolina

BRIDEGROOM’S ­TROUSSEAU

Dear Heloise: When my son announced that he was getting married, I decided to take him shopping to buy a few nicer things than he’s normally used to wearing. For his job, he wears a uniform, but when he’s off work, he dresses like a bum. He has a sports jacket but not a suit. He’s in top physical form (has to be for his job) but has no interest in clothing other than the fact that it keeps you from being naked.

So, I bought him the following for his trousseau:

— Three nice dress shirts

— Three nice ties

— A dark gray suit

— Four T-shirts

— Six pairs of socks

— Underwear

— A robe and slippers

— A nice leather belt

— One pair of jeans

— Two knit golf shirts

I can well afford this expenditure, and since the bride and groom are paying for the wedding themselves, I’m happy to provide new clothing for my son. — L.N., in Minnesota

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.