The holidays are upon us.

Really?

It doesn’t seem like it, but the holidays are approaching quite quickly.

Thanksgiving will be held in just over a week, and after that, things will start ramping up in Atmore for the Christmas holidays.

First, the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a holiday window decorating contest. Participants have until Nov. 15, tomorrow, to be ready for voting, which begins on the same day. Community voting ends on Dec. 5, and the winners will be announced at Jingle Bell Walk on Dec. 6.

Two days after Jingle Bell Walk, the annual Twilight Christmas Parade will be held downtown. Also on that Saturday, the Toyz for Kidz ride will be held.

Then, the next thing you know, it’s going to be Christmas Eve and Day, and then New Year’s.

See? That’s how fast it can and will go by.

It always seems like people get in a rush and are so busy during this time of year. As we’ve said in this space before, slow down and relish in the holidays and what they mean.

Be kind to others and have a giving heart because there are some out there who are in need.

Take a moment and think about those who are in need, and find ways to donate to various organizations in the area.

Hey, that would be a great gift this year for Christmas. Buy a card and let your loved ones know that you made a donation in their honor to a local organization that helps others.

That would be the ultimate gift.