You’ve made it through the first round of gift buying, knocking off the easy folks—the ones you know well enough that you can zero in on the things they want or need most. But don’t breathe a sigh of relief yet, because now it’s time for Level 2. These are the people who are a touch more removed from your day-to-day life. The Uncle Jacks and Aunt Marthas you see exactly twice a year, the in-laws whom you’re still trying to figure out, the co-workers whom you’ve got to get a gift for because you know they’re going to give you something.

Jim Hoffsis reads every single book put onto the shelves at Treasure House Books & Gifts in Old Town (2012 S. Plaza NW). According to Jim, that's the only way he can provide a good recommendation to his patrons, whether they are tourists wandering in off the Plaza or long-time New Mexico residents. Jim Hoffsis runs the show at Treasure House along with his son, John. Treasure House provides readers with the very best from New Mexican writers as well as a wide selection of books on topics pertinent to us desert dwellers. John Hoffsis was kind enough to provide his book recommendations for all the bookworms on your holiday shopping lists—all of which are available at Treasure House, many of which are available at other local book havens like Bookworks and Page One.

Near the end of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—after having his past, present and future reviewed and revealed by a trio of spirits—Ebenezer Scrooge awakened, went to the window and asked a passing child about the day’s date. Of course it was Christmas Day; who knew? Scrooge then proceeded toward resolution, joyously bearing gifts and goodwill to all he encountered.