Q. Believe it or not, I saw someone stealing a Christmas tree from a lot near my house. I foolishly told my son when he came to visit and he got all upset, demanding to know if I’d called the cops. I lied and said yes, just to shut him up. Truth is, I just couldn’t bring myself to rat on someone this time of year who probably didn’t have the cash for a tree. Was I wrong? Now I feel guilty. — Turning a Blind Eye

Dear Blind Eye: Stealing is stealing, regardless of the seasonal reasons, but the odds of the cops catching someone with a hot tree are slim, so let it go and be merry. Start by pouring yourself a stiff eggnog and telling your son to go patrol the tree lot.

– O!Connor