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December, the month of celebrations "December: A month of lights, snow, coziness, and feasts, Time to make amends and tie up loose ends, Finish what you started, And make your wishes come true." ~ Kahlil Gibron Winter is a lingering season, a time to gather the golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every hour. One of the golden moments in December is the celebration of Christmas. It is a time for a huge Christmas Eve dinner with family, and elaborate decorations, including a beautifully adorned tree. It is also a celebration of giving. As early as 1870, Christmas celebrations began to change. Jewish families began to decorate trees, hang wreaths on doors and place stockings on fireplaces like their Christian neighbors. The "Mitzvot" became part of their celebrations that focused on charitable deeds. Both groups shared each other's traditions, and both joined in peaceful acceptance during that wonderful season. As we approach the Christmas holidays, we are reminded of 'those golden moments' and our own 'sentimental journey.' Here at OHCC, we are afforded so many opportunities to reach out, enjoy and learn about new ideas and embrace new adventures. Many of you joined 90 other Library Club and community members in November to listen to Pete McCall as part of the "Afternoon with Authors" series. His energetic presentation, "Exercise for Health and Longevity," was thoroughly entertaining and informative. These series of presentations are offered free to Library Club members and a modest fee is charged for non-club members. Our next guest will be in February. Mark your calendars and remember that if you join the Library Club on Do Dues Day in January, the cost is only $15 a year and includes the entire family. We receive no funding from the OHCC, and all our expenses are paid from the dues gathered. Why our library? I would like to share a short story that answers this very question. Several nights ago, my husband and I visited the Clubhouse. On the way out we decided to stop by the Library. It was quiet, lights were beautifully dimmed, and a lovely fire was burning in the fireplace. Outside, the chilled air and a few rain drops called, "come and enjoy." Inside, sitting all alone in a chair was a lovely gentleman. He sat staring at the fire looking so peaceful and calm. No book did he hold in his hand, instead, serenity f lowed from his face. He was new to OHCC. He had found this lovely room that had brought him such joy. His face remains in my mind even now, a reminder of why our library doors are always open. Happy Holidays one and all! Written by Sally Benton and submitted by the Library Association | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2024 | 13 Library Association DECEMBER BOOK BUYS Bad Liar .................................................................. Tammy Hoag e Blue Hour.......................................................Paula Hawkins Mr. Churchill In e White House .................... Robert Schmuhl A Happier Life........................................ Kristy Woodson Harvey Here One Moment ............................................... Liane Moriarty e House Of Cross .............................................James Patterson Lies He Told Me ............................James Patterson & David Ellis Midnight In Blue........................................................ Ian Rankin e Mirror .............................................................. Nora Roberts e Night We Lost Him ............................................. Laura Dave Now Or Never .....................................................Janet Evanovich Robert B. Parker's Buzz Kill ...................................Alison Gaylin Safe Enough ................................................................. Lee Child Summit's Edge.......................................................... Sara Driscoll To Die For ............................................................ David Baldacci Trail By Fire ............................................................Danielle Steel e Underground Library ......................................Jennifer Ryan e Waiting.......................................................Michael Connelly Waiting For e Monsoon (Memoir) ...................Rod Nordland We ree Queens ...................................................... Ryhs Bowen Written by Jean Heer