BY DANA SCHULTZ

Christmas is just around the corner, and this means Santa Claus is hurrying around trying to come up with presents for each of us. Since he goes through all that trouble for us, it's only fair that we should do something to make his short stay at our home more enjoyable for him.

For example, sliding down chimneys and landing on hot coals is no picnic for Santa. So be sure not to light a fire in the fireplace and try replacing the hot coals with a soft, feathery pillow. Also, everybody gives Santa Claus milk and cookies. For a change of taste, how about a beer and some pretzels? Don't peek when he's placing the present sunder the tree because word has it that Santa's very modest.

Have you ever stopped to think that Santa's reindeer might be famished after pulling Santa and the presents in the heavy sled half across the world? Try taking nine paper plates and filling them with reindeer food. And make sure you have their names on the plates to avoid confusion.

Doing these extra special things for Santa Claus and his reindeer may make his stay a pleasure instead of pure business. And who knows... maybe you'll find a little something extra in your Christmas stocking!