The holidays are here, which means most of us are merrily jamming to our favorite Christmas music and making and completing our shopping lists.

In neighborhoods around town, bright Christmas lights will soon light up the night sky, and for most of us, the weather is already cold enough.

Christmas will be here before we know it, and the signs are all around us.

With only 35 shopping days left until Christmas Day, we all have plenty to do.

We have to buy gifts for all of our family, put up decorations, figure out holiday plans, and rush through work so that we have some time off.

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to see how those less fortunate often get forgotten about. We should make sure that doesn’t happen this year.

All around the world, and even in Selma, there are adults and children who don’t receive Christmas gifts or have a family to spend the holidays with.

It’s easier said than done, but wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could all find a way to save just a little bit more, or spend a tad less to help out someone that needs a lift this holiday season?

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which helps local children whose parents can’t afford to buy them gifts this year, and Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child are a great way to give back.

That’s what the giving spirit of the holidays is all about, isn’t it?

We encourage everyone to stop and give some change when they see the Salvation Army’s bell ringers outside local grocery stores. The Salvation Army helps thousands of people each year.

There’s a lot going on during the holidays.

Everybody has different schedules and there always seems to be more and more to do, but take some time to slow down and think about those that aren’t as fortunate.

It not only feels great to give back, but it will also help someone who is in need of a lift this holiday season.