This column has written previously about the fundamental difference between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to the crisis on the U.S.-Mexico border. When confronted with more than 2 million illegal border-crossers overwhelming U.S. authorities on the border last year – and 250,000 more crossers last month indicates the figure will be even higher this year – Republicans want to find a way to stop, or dramatically reduce, the flow. Democrats want to accommodate it.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was overwhelmed when I received an expensive Christmas gift from my friend. I never expected such a pricey present, and it left me feeling very grateful. I felt that I had to do something in return to show my appreciation, but what could match the gesture they made? Buying an equally extravagant gift didn't seem right, as I would never be able to repay the thoughtfulness behind this one. Perhaps there is a different way I can show my gratitude that doesn't involve money? Is there something I can do to show them just how much their kind gift meant to me? — Grateful DEAR GRATEFUL: Are you so struck by this gift because of how much it cost, or by how thoughtful it was? I ask that because intention matters a lot. Do you think your friend was trying to impress you by purchasing such an extravagant item for you, or do you think sentiment was the driver? You are right that you should not try to compete with the price tag, but you should have a sense of what motivated your friend to reach so far beyond your comfort zone with that gift.

We’ve all done it: You drop someone off in front of a store so they can run and grab something quickly while you sit in the idling car. If the errand is less than 10 seconds, that’s fine; any more than that, and the Environmental Defense Fund says you’re wasting more fuel and money than if you just turned your engine off and then restarted it. Next time, do just one thing to help the environment: Park the car and turn off the engine to save money. And in the cold winter months, when you warm up the car? Any more than 30 seconds is wasting fuel.

The half-dozen versions of the final report of the committee examining the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, aren’t the only books that are making waves in the first weeks of the new year. A surprise entry – a look at the biggest legends in American history – is attracting unusual attention as well.