Listen! You are doing great. There's time to get everything done, and we are here to help. Except on Christmas Day, when we will be closed. Other than that, we are ready to help you find all the gifts you need, and don't worry, we have lots of ideas.

The shipping deadlines are rapidly approaching! Don't forget, if you want your gifts to arrive by Christmas, they need to ship by:

• Standard shipping: 12/15 (this Friday!)
• First Class/Ground Advantage: 12/16
• Priority: 12/18

Even if you are all done shopping, come in and say hello and happy holidays!

Nobody is ever coming up to the counter grumpily complaining about having to "use this lousy gift card."

Seriously. Never. Not even once.

People love gift cards. It is like you gave them two gifts: the gift card itself and the thing(s) they purchase with it. Sometimes the best book gift is the gift of shopping for your own books.

Buy online now and pick up in the store, let us mail them for free, or allow us to leave them on file behind the counter for the lucky recipient to collect. Could we make this any easier?

Oh, and a reminder that we are open on December 26 right through December 31, also known as Gift Card Binge Week. At least according to us.

We have collected many of our holiday suggestions in one handy place, this Give Books catalog, in case you want to make a last gift order (or make a list before stopping by.

We have other lists too! As of this writing, all the books on the following lists are on our shelves for you to pick up or for us to ship).

Remember, if you are shopping online and want gifts to ship immediately, please choose items designated "on our shelves now"!

We heard a rumor that some people like things other than books. Luckily we have a LOT of amazing things for those very people, and we can help you find just the right one. Here are our favorite non-book gift items of the year!

• Woodstock Chimes! Imagine the sound Tinkerbell would make as she whisks you away to the most magical place on earth. These are the perfect present for anyone who needs a little sparkle in their life. (Cindy)
• Woodsy Craft Co Garland is a gift that promotes creativity and relaxation. Create a garland for every season. Good for all ages! (Cassidy)
• Drinks On Me coasters bring the sass! They are sure to add humor and giggles to your table. A holiday hit, the perfect stocking stuffer! (Michiel)
• Paddywax has captured the scents of the season in two candles; Balsam + Fir smells like the essence of a Christmas Tree, while the Charles Dickens candle from their Library series smells like holiday spice and love. Gift a little light to your loved ones this wintertime. (Helena)
• Who doesn’t like to cuddle up with a cozy stuffie and enjoy all the comforts of a plush! Featuring Jelly Cat and Douglas, we have a new friend for everyone (even the non snuggler). (Erica)
• Family Pieces puzzles from Victoria, B.C.-based Cobble Hill are brilliant: 350 piece puzzles with small, medium and large pieces so that everyone can join in. The pieces cascade in size, either from top to bottom or side to side. Really cool way to get more people working on what is a favorite holiday tradition. (Steven)

Metal Bird Art are life-sized native bird silhouettes created out of metal. You can commit an artistic act by tapping a bird into a post or tree and transforming your environment into something that brings joy when seen. “Proudly made in America.” (Alan)

Looking for the perfect gift but not sure what to get? Come in and we can help you with ideas! There is nothing we love more than finding someone the perfect book and pairing it with a creative side item.

Audiobooks can be ideal gifts for the holidays. Either select a title you know the recipient will enjoy or give them credits so they can pick the audiobooks. Either way, you are directly supporting Port Book and News.

Some cool facts about audiobook credits from Libro.fm:

• can be sent to anyone in the world
• allow the recipient to select their own audiobooks whenever they like
• are the perfect gift for any age
• can be emailed or printed as a certificate
• can be delivered instantly or scheduled for delivery
• never expire

If you want to give a specific title on Libro.fm, you can search the site, browse lists like the Most Wished for Audiobooks or seasonal romances, or find the right title with a "holiday vibe" quiz!

We've even got a list of our own 20 cant-miss titles.

On Sunday, November 26th, our valued employee Mike suffered a stroke, and is currently receiving care in Seattle.

The outpouring of care and concern from the patrons of Port Book and News has been nothing short of inspiring. Unplanned emergency medical bills are astronomical, and no bookseller can face this challenge alone. We continue to gratefully accept any donations to help.

If you are inclined, to please give a little love, prayer, good thoughts, and/or cash to our friend Mike. Anything will be gratefully accepted. At this time, donations can be made online or at Port Book and News. (Cindy can deposit it into his bank account, so a check made out to Mike Dumas, or cash, or even a credit card run through the bookstore, will work).

Alan, Cindy, Cassidy and the staff of Port Book and News thank you for your consideration.

By now you may be used to seeing something ostensibly funny at the end of the Port Book and Newsletter, but... you want to know what is no joke? How lucky and grateful we are to be a part of this community.

Whatever you celebrate this time of year, may it be a joyous occasion. We are grateful to you and wish you the best this holiday and in 2024. From everybody at Port Book and News...

THANK YOU!