Kids! What do you want for Christmas and/or Hanukkah? This past weekend, I started thinking about holiday shopping. (Yes, I know it's late.) On my list, I have my two sons, and I also have a slew of nieces and nephews. I don't know what to get for any of them. But I do know what they don't want -- BOOKS!

I'm talking about kids of all ages, from toddlerhood to college sophisticate. My experience has been that a kid unwrapping a gift and finding a book is about as happy as a kid finding ... I don't know ... socks? underwear? pajamas? No, even those items elicit more joy. Especially if they are plastered with images of Hello, Kitty, or Bionicals, or Kakashi Hatake.

One memorable year, I worked in a bookstore and - employee discount in hand - decided to get everyone on my Christmas list a gorgeous new book. No remainders or dusty old stuff. I carefully considered my recipients and lovingly and thoughtfully chose each the perfect book.

What a bomb.

Oh, that look of pained politeness on my darling nephew's face! His Mom or Dad immediately jumping in with overblown enthusiasm: "Oh, what a wonderful BOOK! What do you say to Aunt Debbie?" 

"Tha-a-ank yo-o-ou, Aunt Debbie-e-e-e."

I love books. I love the feel of them, the smell of them. I love the art on the cover, and the promise of what lies beneath. I love imagining a wintry afternoon, a blizzard blowing outside and a fire crackling in the fireplace while I, wrapped in comfort, take my glorious time, page by page with a good book.

So, kids, tell me. Am I wrong? What do you really want? What would make your eyes gleam and a genuine smile curl your lips this holiday season? Something nonelectronic. Something you'll never outgrow. Something you can treasure forever. Something affordable. Something like ... a good book.