Dear Heloise: Government and politics aren’t the same thing. All the “bickering” you hear and read is people spewing political opinions, some of which aren’t based on any understanding of the Constitution. It’s fairly easy these days to learn about the structure of the United States government and the reasoning behind the form it takes under the Constitution.

I’d advise reading it and paying attention to the amendments. If you really are interested, you can read some of the Federalist Papers, which lay out the reasoning behind parts of the Constitution. By knowing how the government is structured and how it works (or is supposed to work), it makes it easier to understand current political issues.

Much of what people read online, on TV, or on a podcast is opinion. It’s political “bickering,” and yes, it’s disturbing. Reading or hearing opinions doesn’t lead to understanding but rather just shows how someone feels. — Bonnie, via email

DIY CHRISTMAS DECOR

Dear Heloise: Throughout the years, I’ve received some beautiful Christmas cards. I saved them because I can’t bear to throw them away. Even the funny ones put a smile on a face during the hectic days leading up to Christmas dinner.

This year, instead of giving gifts to friends and family, I bought very pretty frames (gold colored, silver, pearls, etc.) and framed the cards I’ve received through the years. I will give it to them to use as a Christmas decoration on a coffee table, shelf, lamp table, etc. — C.L. Reid, in Bakersfield, California

BROWN GUACAMOLE

Dear Heloise: I tried everything to keep my guacamole from turning brown, but nothing worked until I tried this:

Put the guac into a container, leaving space on top and at one side. Place some chopped onion pieces into the side area only and put an airtight lid on it. After about four days, it was perfect and delicious! Not brown-colored at all. — Charlotte, in Ventura, California

Charlotte, I hadn’t heard of this one. Thanks for sharing! — Heloise

FRESH ROMAINE LETTUCE

Dear Heloise: Romaine lettuce will stay fresh and crisp for weeks if you cut off the bottom and place the leaves in a tall glass filled with fresh water. I change the water every day or two. Refrigerate it, of course. — Shirley, via email

NO CANDLES, PLEASE

Dear Heloise: I have read your column for years — literally, as I am over 90 years old. For over 70 years, I was a cook and a baker, and I made hundreds of cakes for birthdays with candles on top. Times change, and candles should not be on the top of the cake. On a cupcake or a cookie is fine but not a cake. One blow and others can get sick. I made the change years ago. — Harriet P., in North Bethesda, Maryland

MICROWAVE DILEMMA

Dear Heloise: Microwave ovens do not heat food evenly. Letting the food stay in the microwave after cooking allows the heat to spread more evenly. — Earl B., in Ohio

(Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.)