Southern Italy is as much a character in Robert V. Camuto’s South of Somewhere: Wine, Food, and the Soul of Italy as are the wine and food in the book’s subtitle. Rightfully so, since those indulgences, however fresh and refined and delicious, just scratch the surface of Italy from Rome down. There’s the language—dialects that have precious little in common with the Italian of Duolingo—and the attitude, a bit of dolce far niente and a lot of appreciation for one’s place of origin, its history and traditions. Camuto gets at all of this, starting and ending in a small town south of Naples that his mother hails from. An editor at the The New York Times recently called Camuto the “un–Stanley Tucci.” As much as we love Tucci, I’d take this as a compliment. (nebraskapress.unl.edu) —Julia Vitale

In his latest film, Licorice Pizza, director Paul Thomas Anderson returns to his youth: the San Fernando Valley in the 1970s. Inevitably, there have been comparisons to Boogie Nights (1997), the other Anderson film set in the valley during that decade. But Licorice Pizza defies analogy. Starring newcomers Alana Haim (of the band Haim) and Cooper Hoffman (Philip Seymour’s son), the film is an unlikely love story between two friends exploring what it means to grow up and care about someone. Anderson’s loving touch is evident throughout, from the sharp yet hilarious script to the impeccable cinematography filled with long shots and the smashing soundtrack featuring the music of David Bowie and the Doors. With marvelous performances from Haim and Hoffman, as well as from veteran actors such as Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn, and Tom Waits, Licorice Pizza is sure to be another hit for Anderson. (unitedartistsreleasing.com) —Jacob Robbins

Ever have to reassure a child that her Christmas wish list will, in fact, reach the North Pole? Well, this year there’s an official way to send mail to Santa Claus. Paperless Post’s Letters to Santa lets little ones send their wishes to the big guy directly. All kids need to do is upload their handwritten letters to the Paperless Post Web site or use the festive online templates before Christmas morning. If parents are in the Christmas spirit, they can buy special-edition stamps for letters. A full 100 percent of the stamps’ proceeds go to Toys for Tots, a charity that distributes gifts to children in need. (paperlesspost.com) —Elena Clavarino

The “black sheep” sweater notoriously worn by feisty Diana, Princess of Wales, several times in the 80s is the stuff of sartorial legend. Now the cheeky print and its subversive message are showing up on some very stylish luggage. A new collaboration between Warm & Wonderful, the knitwear company that made Princess Di’s sweater, and Globe-Trotter arrives just in time for the holidays. This four-wheeled carry-on is as well appointed and beautifully made as everything else in the Globe-Trotter arsenal, plus it comes with a bit of side-eye. Who says you have to be a people-pleasing conformist to afford a $2,275 suitcase? (globe-trotter.com) —Ashley Baker

It’s fine-jewelry season, and whether you’re giving, getting, or just admiring the stuff, we have some important news. Designer Mish Tworkowski, whose New York studio has been drawing aficionados for 30 years now, has relocated to Palm Beach (home to so many Manhattan expats … but that’s a story for another day). To celebrate the swishy new space, Mish has dreamed up Why Knot?, a collection that re-interprets artistically tied ropes. Pieces are made of gold and precious gems but are casual—we swear! The new turquoise Cabana Charm Bracelet has solidified our commitment to niceness this season. Mish’s favorite ocean creatures and shells have been carved into 15 charms by a master craftsman in Torre del Greco, Italy. It took the jewelry designer more than a decade to source enough pure turquoise to finish the Cabana, but it was well worth the wait. (Price available upon request, mishfinejewelry.com) —Ashley Baker

I know everyone listens to The Daily, the podcast from The New York Times. It’s terrific. Listeners should also try The Journal—produced by The Wall Street Journal—which has been on something of a tear recently. Episodes rarely run more than 20 minutes. And the subject matter is broad and all of it interesting. One day, there’s an examination of Turkey’s economic crisis, and the next a memorial of sorts to Virgil Abloh, the young Louis Vuitton designer, who just died at the age of 41. Corporate battles, economic trends, disastrous business decisions—they all get covered. Earlier this year The Journal did an eight-part series on a story they broke: “The Facebook Files.” Smashing. (podcasts.apple.com) —Graydon Carter