For most of us, the last several days are a blur of overeating, family time and football.

Each of those traditions often signals the official beginning of the holiday season. From now until the first of the year, it’s a time to celebrate for most of us.

The Christmas season is a celebration of the birth of Christ. His birth, death and resurrection are the most precious gifts possible.

We give gifts to each other during Christmas as a way of remembering the gifts given to Jesus by the three wise men as told in the Bible.

Dozens of local charitable organizations also carry on what is arguably the mission of Christ by providing for the less fortunate among us.

Beginning today, our staff will highlight more than a dozen of the area’s non-profit groups to illustrate their needs as well as to point out how best the community can help the organizations.

The series is titled the Season of Wishes, and has become an annual tradition.

We urge everyone who is able to find some nonprofit cause in which to become involved. Most volunteers suggest their work experiences are among the most fulfilling moments of their lives because they can quickly see the fruits of their labor.

Please read the Season of Wishes series with an open, giving heart and find one that needs something you can provide — time, labor or money.

Remember however, that although this is the season in which nonprofits traditionally receive the majority of their donations, for many their need isn’t seasonal, requiring the organizations to sparsely ration resources throughout the year.