It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Especially here in the North Beach. For such a small community, the choices for shopping, dining and celebrating are abundant. There are small gatherings for music and dining, community wide bazaars and festivals, and opportunities to not only enjoy the holiday spirit, but share in giving.

Oprah Winfrey’s most popular episode during her talk show years used to be “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” She would share some great gift ideas for the holidays and then give them away to her entire audience. She even gave away brand new cars! After 20-plus years on the Harbor, I have a few of my favorite things I’d like to share this holiday season. Now don’t get too excited, I won’t be giving away any cars, but I do hope to share some of my favorite things to see, do, eat, shop and experience.

First things first, let’s decorate for the holidays. The Ocean Shores IGA is selling fresh wreaths. What a great way to welcome friends and neighbors with the scent of holiday greenery.

Head on over to Ace Hardware Ocean Shores for just about anything you can think of. Bright lights for indoors and out. Animated yard decorations, ornaments and so much more. Why not add a fresh floral display or centerpiece to your decor? Tanglewoods Floral Boutique or Artistic Designs by Brenda both offer custom creations. Looking to add to your holiday collection but don’t want to stretch your budget? A stroll through Anchor Ave. Thrift Store can bring new treasures. You may even find some great gift ideas.

Now that you’re getting in the holiday spirit, let’s look at tree lightings and Santa visits! Ring the holiday season in with lights and cheer as Oyhut Bay hosts its First Annual Festival of Lights. Join Oyhut Bay’s developers, homeowners and resort team on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Sing holiday carols and enjoy hot cocoa, sparkling cider and sweet treats. Children from Ocean Shores Elementary School will help lead us in cheerful carols.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 11, 9-11 a.m.. Seabrook Town Hall hosts the jolliest breakfast on the North Beach. Mill 109 Breakfast Buffet- $15 for adults, $8 kids under 12..

The holidays are a time for giving as well as receiving. Some of the best memories are those of serving as a family and making the holidays bright for others. Here are a few ways you can contribute locally:

• The Ocean Shores Elementary Volunteers are taking donations such as toys, electronics, furniture, household supplies, Christmas decorations, etc., for community families. They can be dropped at the school Monday-Friday before 3 p.m. until Dec. 9. Call (360) 289-2147 for more information.

• Pacific Beach Elementary is hosting a Basket Raffle during its holiday show on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. They are accepting donations of filled baskets or single items. Please donate before Friday December 9th. You can call (360) 276-4512 for details.

Next week, all about shopping! We love our beach community year-round. Summer may be the highlight for most of our visitors, but the winter season is all about community “On the Beach.”

Share your holiday activities for inclusion. Email onebusibee@outlook.com