Christmas is here. There’s no doubt about that. As the temperatures dropped, and the days of November sped by, there’s one tell-tale sign that heralds the coming of the season: Frasir firs.

Like a holiday fog drifting in, they arrived this week to stake out preferred spots near the front doors of local retail stores. Though Thanksgiving remains a week away, its late date this year necessitates the blending of one holiday into the other.

Call it Thanks-mas. In the true spirit of each holiday, melded into one celebratory season, let this year not only be about giving thanks and giving gifts, consider giving the gift of thanksgiving.

Know someone or a family who’s been struggling financially this year? Gift cards go a long way at the grocery store.

Thankful for the many sides and stuffings, helpings of fried turkey and crown roast? A donation to the local food bank could provide the same to someone else, a family in need.

Thankful for the many gifts under the Christmas tree? Think about playing Santa to a child or children through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program or for foster children through Beaufort County Department of Social Services.

Thankful for your own or your children’s childhood filled with the joy of Christmas and its accompanying toys? Buy a few for Toys for Tots and drop them in any box around town — there are many.

Thankful for the many family and friends that gather around your table for that special meal? Pull up an additional chair and invite someone who’s on their own.

The opportunity is there to make the most of the season; to give thanks every day. Happy Thanks-mas!