Fir trees have started taking over empty lots. Christmas music is on repeat at the mall. Every kiss on TV seemingly begins with Kay. Yes, the holidays are here, and the Weekly and First Friday are celebrating by giving you a chance to be published in our upcoming Holiday Issue.

This month, Las Vegas Weekly and First Friday are teaming for the Spirit of Giving essay contest. We’re looking for creative writers in age categories 10-17 and 18-and-older to tell us what giving means to them. Share a favorite holiday giving memory, ponder the impact of a great gift or tell us how giving has impacted your life. However you interpret giving this time of year, we want to hear about it.

The essays will be read by the folks at First Friday and staffers here at the Weekly, and winners in each category will be published in the December 20 issue of the magazine, alongside original art by local artists that reflects each story. The winners will also get to read their stories at the January 4 First Friday and will receive prizes from First Friday sponsors.

Up for the challenge? Enter by submitting your 500- to 750-word essay to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. on December 7.

Happy writing!