If you're LDS, you probably watched this year's First Presidency Christmas devotional. If you're a book lover (and why else would you be here?), you probably perked up when you heard the topic of the address given by Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you're not LDS, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. No matter. You should still watch or read President Monson's talk, in which he discusses the two books he re-reads every Christmas. It's a warm, touching holiday message that will help bring the spirit of the season into your book-loving soul.

I bring it up because, while listening to President Monson fondly recall scenes from Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, I came to a startling conclusion: I had never actually read the book. When I think of the story, the scene that comes most vividly to mind (embarrassingly enough) is that of Scrooge McDuck caressing his many stacks of coins. Unforgivable for a woman who calls herself a bibliophile. So, I made a vow, then and there, to read the well-loved story. I began by buying a beautiful, hardcover copy of the book, one that was illustrated by the talented P.J. Lynch and published by Candlewick Press in 2006. Reading the familiar story in Dickens' original words truly was a magical, heartwarming experience. I believe I'll be following President Monson's example and re-experiencing it every Christmas.

You know the story as well as I do, so I won't summarize it here. I'll just add my praise to all that has already been heaped upon this magnificent tale. The movie versions don't do it justice. Only by actually reading A Christmas Carol can you truly experience its charm and timeless message. Do it. At least once a year.

On this merriest of days, I offer all of my friends and readers a heartfelt thank you for making this a wonderful year in book blogger-land. I wish you a joyous Christmas. And, in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, I say:

God bless us, everyone.