He’s making a list, checking it twice and Santa Claus is bringing the latest books to a stocking near you.

Staff members at both Borders Books and Music, 2520 Sycamore Road, and the Junction Bookstore, 822 W. Lincoln Highway, say business is going well.

On the top of everybody’s list are the “Harry Potter” books, the “Lord of the Rings” collectors set and the new John Grisham book, “Skipping Christmas.”

Borders, which opened Nov. 17, is off to a good holiday start, said general manager John Podulka.

“We’re so new, so we have ideas of what to expect,” he said. “The traditional holiday shopping season kicks off on Thanksgiving weekend, but that settles down for a while and then begins to build week by week. The week before Christmas, it’s absolutely crazy and delightful.”

In honor of the holiday season, Borders has set up the Borders Giving Tree — a Christmas tree with paper snowflake ornaments. Each ornament carries a child’s name. Customers can pick a name and buy a few gifts for that child.

“We’ve paired up with Toys for Tots to try to brighten the Christmas of underprivledged kids,” Podulka said.

Junction bookstore manager Don Rodrick said it’s too soon to tell how the store will do during the holiday season.

“Sales are up, but a little down from last year, but that is the same with everything since the economy is down,” he said. “People are timid about shopping.”

As for the store’s business since Borders opened, Rodrick said the store felt it, but the change hasn’t been too bad.

“We’ve picked back up,” he said. “I think that’s a strong tribute to the support of this community and university.”

While there’s no doubt that consumers are buying books for the holiday season, some students are having trouble deciding where to buy them.

Senior English major Mike Gotthardt said he’s concerned that the Junction bookstore is going to go under because Borders is taking so much business.

“The Junction is just as good as Borders — it’s just not advertised as well,” he said. “Everyone in DeKalb should support the Junction. It’s a local treasure.”

Senior marketing major Christy Hartnett said she disagrees.

“There is a demand on campus for a mall and more places to shop,” she said. “Borders is just capitalizing on our demands.”