Fall is here, and today the sun is shining clear and bright. The sky is blue as a robin’s egg, with low wispy clouds.  It’s the kind of day where you need jeans and a jacket. In other words, practically perfect!

Beautiful weather couldn’t have come at a better time. The last few weeks have been a mad scramble of launching two new books, and on October 2, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas, will join them.

Now some of you may think it’s way too early to speak of Christmas, but here’s the truth. Halloween is a mere 35 days away. Thanksgiving arrives in 57 days. And in the blink of an eye, Christmas will arrive.

My philosophy is, don’t compartmentalize the season. Think of September as the gateway to a series of fun activities – time with family and friends enjoying more than a few of your favorite things.

As a matter of fact, I’ve already started my gift-giving plan, because it’s far better for me to do a little at a time than all at once. My daughter’s goal is even better than mine. She finishes her shopping by Thanksgiving, and wraps gifts while watching “White Christmas” – completely avoiding the Black Friday crush. If you feel the same way, here are a few suggestions that have proved to be popular in my world:

1. For the little ones – It may be well past summer season, but a water table was the hit of last Christmas. It can be used without water, but look out hot weather! That table became the number one summer pastime. It arrives with an assortment of water toys, and provides countless hours of entertainment. Be aware assembly is required.
2. Teens – Those who have specific hobbies are pretty easy. Those who don’t-yikes! I hit a home run by gifting a teen boy with a karate uniform and a month’s worth of lessons. He loves it, and two years later has earned a virtual rainbow of belts.
3. For the ladies, pampering is ever-so-nice. A pedicure, manicure, or massage are little luxuries women often deny themselves. So I say, indulge. Ahhh, now doesn’t that feel good?
4. For men with hobbies, there’s always something to add to the collection. For the hobbyless, try a new gadget or gizmo. Who knew a chain saw would become one of the most popular gifts I ever gave?

Last but not least, never underestimate the value of giving a book. How-to books, biography, history. Fiction of every genre. Light and humorous tales, when you just want to laugh. Pop into a book store, and you’ll find something for everyone.

I’d love it if one or more of my books appeared on your gift-giving list.  🙂 How about these?

For a little holiday fun, there’s Let Your Heart Be Light. Filled with nostalgia and more than a few laughs, these bite-sized stories go nicely with hot chocolate and Snickerdoodle cookies.

For lovers of historical fiction, there’s I am Mrs. Jesse James. Shortlisted for both the Goethe and Laramie Book Awards, find out what life was like with the most infamous outlaw of the Old West.

For the little ones, how about Midnight the One-Eyed Cat? This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children the value of being “me”.

I hope this post gets you started on your gift-giving pilgrimage. Think how great you’ll feel with a pile of perfect gifts all ready to go!

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Pat Wahler is the author of I am Mrs. Jesse James and Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas. She is also co-author of Midnight the One-Eyed Cat.