Have you begun your final countdown?
Is there someone, perhaps a child, that you still need a gift for?
Give a Book! I know I don’t have to tell you writers – but a book is the best gift of all. It gives every time he/she picks it up.
A book is more than just, well, words on paper.
It’s a gift of imagination. Instead of mindlessly watching a story on television or as a movie, where the producer shows what the hero looks like, and the action takes place before him, a reader gets to create the images in his mind. Honestly – every time you see a movie made from a book you’ve read, aren’t the visuals different from what YOU conjured while you were reading the story? And don’t you usually prefer your own?
It’s a gift of togetherness, love and knowledge. Studies show that children who are read to by family members build closer relationships and are more likely to become avid readers themselves, than those who aren’t. If you give a book, enjoy it with him and create a closer bond.
I saw a movie ( that I don’t remember much about), in which a child was given a library card as a gift. He wasn’t initally appreciative. As it turned out, it was a wondrous present - allowing him to enjoy other lands, experience adventures, and meet new friends. Now, I’m not saying get a library card…but sharing time with a card AND many trips to the library together could be starting that child down a road of great adventure.
I was a library rat. Since we moved so often, I always knew I could find my old friends right there on those shelves in the new town, as well as meet new ones. I still love the smell and atmosphere of a library.
Share our love of the written word. Remember to give books. We all need a trip into our own imagination once in a while.
Best of all, create future READERS! 
By the way…are there books on YOUR wish list?
I loved my books and had spent many years building my collection …a recent house fire took them all! I am slowly building a new collection and have given 3 grandkids and one nephew books for this Christmas. You are right in citing the importance of the written word. Thanks for the post!
Sorry to hear about the fire, Sandra. I’ve been through one, too…didn’t lose the house, but came close. I know how heart-wrenching the experience can be. Glad you’ve picked yourself up and are ‘re-building’!
There are ALWAYS books on my Christmas list. Favorite gift to give or receive.
I agree. I even give new babies books! I love books–as one can see by my own library. It’s hard for me to give a book away–to our Friends for the Library Bookstore. My husband recently bought a Kindle–very practical, but I can’t give up holding my books in my hand!
I’m known for book gifts. My tradition is to take my (now grown kids) and grandkids to the bookstore and let them pick out their gift books. Only stipulation is “nothing violent.” Kids take this seriously and really ponder a book’s content. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading hardback books. Certainly a love to share.
My favorite gift to give and receive!
I agree! My earliest memory is my grandmother reading to me. Recently in looking back through family papers, I realized she died before I was four. And I love to read and usually give some books at Christmas. I’ve already received two this year. Good post!