Every year for the last several years, the Washington Daily News has issued a special section called Beaufort County Christmas in the days before Christmas. In it, photos of all the local Christmas parades and other holiday events are printed, along with holiday recipes and all things full of Christmas cheer. It really is a celebration of all a Beaufort County Christmas has to offer.

It’s also an invitation to participate. This area is steeped in history and most people here have a real appreciation for the past. That includes past Christmases: the Christmas tree installed in the middle of the Market and Main streets intersection; past parades; faces from the past celebrating the holiday in grand style. While Beaufort County Christmas primarily focuses on Christmas present, it’s also a tribute to Christmas past.

This is why the Daily News would like to invite its readership to contribute, in two ways. The first way is by sending in photos of Christmases past — for example, a photo of an iconic event or place or person that also clearly represents the holiday. The other way is for the youngsters: each Beaufort County Christmas also includes Letters to Santa. Any child, fifth-grade and younger is welcome to write his or her Letter to Santa, have mom or dad drop it off at the Daily News office, and it will become a part of this year’s Beaufort County Christmas — thus, also ensuring the Santa will actually get the message.

So, be a part of this year’s Beaufort County Christmas. Scan a photo of a Christmas past and send it to news@thewashingtondailynews.com with a description of when and where the photo was taken, or bring it in to the Washington Daily News and we’ll scan it for you. Send in or drop off your children’s or grandchildren’s Letters to Santa — drawings of snowmen, Santa, reindeer and all other Christmas scenes ar

e also welcome.

Just as Christmas is creeping up quickly, so is the deadline for Beaufort County Christmas. Have your contribution in to the office by 5 p.m. on Monday.

Oh, and have a merry Christmas.

The Washington Daily News is located at 217 N. Market St. in Washington. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.