Let’s book it

December: How sweet it is!
December:  Time for hot cocoa (and cold toes). Also time to savor lots of other treats that celebrate “National Days” this month.  
For example, we can all connect with the famous Sesame Street Muppet when he enjoys Dec. 4, which is Cookie Day. “Om nom nom nom!”
 Dec. 7 is Cotton Candy Day.  This spun sugar was introduced at the World’s Fair in 1924 as Fairy Floss. Over 68,000 boxes were bought, and it’s been “fairy” popular ever since.
Pastry Day is on the Dec. 9, and there are at least six crispy categories for you to enjoy- from shortcrust and puff to choux and phyllo.
How about Chocolate Covered Anything Day on the Dec. 16? So many foods can be improved by covering them with that sugary stuff! Try bacon or squid, pickles or carrots.
And if you’re tired of chocolate?  Tap into a different flavor and smother your pancakes, French toast or biscuits on Dec. 17; it’s Maple Syrup Day.
If you just want 100 percent sugar, the Dec. 19 is “hard candy day.” The most popular choices include Jolly Ranchers, Tootsie Roll pops and Dum Dums.
Towards the end of the month, on Dec. 22, you might get some date nut bread, a delicious treat that also is a great source of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Dec. 24 is Eggnog Day, Dec. 27 is Fruitcake Day, and Dec. 31, not surprisingly, is Cham­pagne Day.
Your Library can give you lots more information about these holidays, along with recipes. Check out the following:
•    The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past.
•    The Book of American Traditions by Emyl Jenkins
•    Coming to America Cookbook – Delicious Recipes and Fascinating Stories from America’s Many Cultures
•    The American History Cookbook by Mark Zanger
•    Suzannah Seton’s Simple Pleasures for the Holidays.
They’re all in good taste, and guaranteed to satisfy your appetites – for eating, drinking and learning.
Schedule of December Events at the Library
Play and Learn Island – all day, every day.
Read to a Dog
Every Thursday
Ages 5-12
3-4 p.m.
Homework Help
Tuesdays, Dec. 6,
13, & 20
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Grades K-12
Between the World and Me: A Sonoma County Reads conversation. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates writes to Samori, his young son, about what it means to be Black in America. Join the discussion Saturday, Dec. 3;
11 a.m. – noon.
Lego Club
Sat., Dec. 3, 2:00 p.m.
Ages 6-12
Wee Read
Wed., Dec. 7 and 14
Ages 0-36 months
10:30 a.m.
Preschool Story­time
Wed., Dec. 7 and 14
Ages 3-6
11:30 a.m.
Read Any Good Books Lately? Come share your favorite book with other readers in a friendly gathering at your library on Thursday, Dec. 16,
2 p.m.
Once Upon a Gingerbread House. Create your own tasteful abode with graham crackers and candy…. home sweet home. All materials supplied. Join us Saturday, December 17. Stop by between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Ages 4 and up)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. After hearing the story, do some fun Grinch crafts!
Fri., Dec. 23, 11 a.m.
Ages 5 and up
Bibliobop Dance Party With shaky eggs and scarves!
Wed., Dec. 28, 11 a.m.
Age 0-5
Zumba for Kids
Wed., Dec. 28
Age 5 and up
3:30 p.m.
The Library will be closed:  Dec. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. and all day on  December 24, 25 and 31.
You can find the Windsor Region­al Li­brary at 9291 Old Redwood Highway, Building 100, in Wind­sor. If you have questions about library programs, call them at 707-838-1020.
Find them online at sonomalibrary.org/locations/windsor-regional-library.
Sue Finan is a writer who enjoys her husband, her dog, a good book, and a great glass of wine.  Sometimes in that order.