Now that Halloween is over, the retail world tells us that it’s time for Christmas. Pretty soon, there will be Christmas tree stands in parking lots around the area, and window displays will be positively festive at many stores long before Thanksgiving.

One thing that folks in Suffolk can be thankful for during this time of year is the variety of activities available to help them prepare for their holiday celebrations and raise the level of cheer. Folks all over Suffolk embrace the spirit of the holidays, and the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s is one of the best times to be here.

Suffolk is especially blessed to have volunteer and civic organizations that make it their business this time of year to increase the merriment of people who participate in their programs, as well as the beneficiaries of their philanthropy.

Whether you’re looking for instruction in how to make the best Christmas gifts — or just looking for a great gift that somebody else has already made — there will be special craft-show opportunities to come during the next couple of months. Whether you’re looking for a way to experience the blessing of helping others during the holidays or desperate for some caring individual to extend that helping hand to you, Suffolk provides an opportunity.

Now that the holiday season starts so early in the year, there’s always a risk of becoming desensitized to the reason for the season. It’s easy to lose touch with the thankfulness that we owe for the many blessings in our lives, for the gifts that we’ve been given and for new opportunities and fresh starts. This year, resolve to take advantage of some special holiday event in Suffolk and to participate in some philanthropic function. You’ll find your holiday spirit — and your appreciation for your community — increases with every such involvement.