Extreme-opposite juxtapositions are always fun at Holiday Time, which is why the films "Frosty the Heroin-Selling Snowman" and "I Buried Mrs. Claus in the Pet Sematary" are such favorites around our house.

Of course, these things don't have to be quite so jarring to resonate in the spirit of the season. Consider Sunday's Holiday Gift Guide signing event at Bank Square Books in Mystic: Essex author James Benn, who writes the popular Billy Boyle World War II mysteries, will be on hand to sign copies of "The Usual Santas," a collection of holiday-themed mystery short stories from Soho Books, the renowned crime publishing house.

Benn will happily sign his Boyle titles, too, of course, and personally give suggestions about other authors and books that might make great gifts. Bank Square and its sibling store, Westerly's Savoy Bookshop & Café, will be hosting Holiday Gift Guide author events throughout the season, so consult their website.

Holiday Gift Guide signing with James Benn, 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Bank Square Books, 53 West Main St., Mystic; free; (860) 536-3795, banksquarebooks.com.