To Do: Write about a favorite book you read as a child. Was it read to you or did you read it yourself? Where were you? How old were you? Why did you love it so much?

To Do:  Here’s my idea for a fantastic holiday party in hopes that you’ll copy it.  Every year, the first Saturday of December I Invite all my girlfriends and female students over for lunch (lasagna from Smart and Final, a salad and bread) and they bring a book(s) to wrap (I provide lots of wrapping paper, scissors and scotch tape) and we give the books to kids in need. (Various years the books have gone to Beyond Shelter, Ocean Park Community Center, Headstart programs, Rainbow Services, etc. ) We gave away over 200 books last year and had a great time. I’d love to think of this idea spreading and having thousands of kids get wrapped books as gifts.  It makes for an easy party with a  lot of holiday spirit.   

(I took a vote among my girlfriends when I started this holiday tradition: all women, or men and women? and sorry guys, the unanimous vote was that they wanted it to be a girlfriend party.  But try it with inviting men too. It could be a really great evening singles party.)