‘Tis the season for sharing favorites. My TBR pile is one “Best Books of 2015” list from dooming me to an eternity of catch-up reading. It’s devilish the way these favorite lists tantalize me to hit the Buy button just when I’m supposed to be shopping for others.

Holiday shopping always reminds me of one favorite of mine: Jack Benny’s Christmas episode, “Jack Goes Christmas Shopping,” featuring the usual gang, plus Mel Blanc playing a clerk who’s emotionally invested in his wrapping skills.