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Ho…Ho…Ho….

It’s that time of year again. I don’t blame anyone who is trying to stay out of the malls, although I think it’s good to patronize local merchants and craft fairs. I’m also a believer in giving a donation in someone’s name to a worthwhile cause.

Typically, I write about books here and a well-chosen book can be one of the most personal of gifts. Giving a book can say: “I know what you like, what ideas you appreciate, where you like to go in your imagination.” While you may not know what the person has not yet read, selecting a book they have read and loved sends the same message, maybe even a little stronger.

Some of my favorite books for giving are ones by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coehlo. The best known is The Alchemist.  It’s a sort of parable - simple, spiritual, beautiful. I’m also fond of The Witch of Portobello: A Novel (P.S.). It you’re not familiar with Coehlo, be aware that his work isn’t magic realism like that of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, whose Love in the Time of Cholera is another gift idea.  If you prefer to give a recently published book, consider this long-awaited American novel, A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore. She’s an unusual writer with a great many fans.

Calendars also make good gifts, and there are more choices than ever, especially for travelers and would-be expats. For example, there’s 365 Days in Italy Calendar 2010 (Picture-A-Day Wall Calendars) as well as Mexico - 2010 National Geographic Wall Calendar and Colors of Guatemala 2010 Calendar. These are just a few.

Thank you for subscribing to our Updates and for visiting our pages. Happy holidays to all. Be well, be safe and may 2010 be a better year for all!