Kids These Days:

I first noticed Christmas merchandise a month ago while shopping at the local outlet of a drug store chain that, by the way, has fewer drugs each time I visit.

They should be honest about their merchandising and tell us that the letters in their name really stand for Constant Variable Shopping. So, there it was, the beginning of the Christmas season, well before Halloween. That visit raised my antenna, and I began to see Christmas items everywhere.

Now, the holidays are here, and you have some shopping to do. I am going to make part of your decision-making very easy today, and if you are involved with a school holiday fundraiser, there is a special offer for you. As you may know, many school programs are suffering not only from the disaster that the brainiacs in Sacramento have created, but also from a larger weak economy. This year, please consider the fundraisers at our local schools for some of your gifts and for items for personal use. The last poll I saw indicated that half of Americans are going to spend less this year than last. So, please help our local kids.

One of the holiday rituals I have enjoyed over the years is driving to a local Christmas tree lot to select our tree. Dressed in crummy long-sleeve shirts and armed with scissors and gloves, the entire family would spend an hour or so selecting the perfect tree. If you’ve seen the classic holiday move “A Christmas Story,� think of the scene where the dad, played by Darren McGavin, does the same thing with Mom, Ralph and Randy in attendance. Two years ago, we stopped that ritual, taking a chance on a local tree source that turned out to be a gift in itself.

In 2007, we ordered a tree from the baseball boosters at Estancia High School. Simply put, the trees for the past two years have been fresh and beautiful, with an emphasis on beautiful. In fact, my wife and I agree that the two trees from the boosters have been among the best we’ve chosen over the past 25 years. Before I continue, I must disclose that I am on the committee to promote the trees, but in my defense, I also want to point out that I have been no more than a baseball tree customer for the last two years.

This year, the trees are guaranteed to be delivered within 72 hours of being cut. Plus, the prices are the same as last year. But wait, there’s more! This year, the trees will be delivered to you free within five miles of any school in the district. I know that for some of you, the thought of having a tree delivered sight unseen is unthinkable, but you should realize that you are in very good company: The huge trees at South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island are also delivered that way. Don’t let my shameless huckstering prevent you from taking advantage of a fabulous opportunity while you support local youth sports.

To order a tree, visit www.estanciabaseball.com and click on the order form. You can download and mail the form, or e-mail it back to [email protected]. Use that e-mail address to ask questions or get more information. On the form, you’ll also see wreaths and garlands for sale.

If you insist on your tree ritual, and I will understand if you do, buy a wreath, for they are at least as striking as the trees.

The deadline is Friday.

Now for that offer… I want to use this space to promote the holiday fundraisers for any school in the district. Please send me: 1) the name of your school; 2) the products you are offering; 3) a URL, if you have one, plus any other contact information; 4) the youth organization in your school benefiting from the sales. Send the information to: [email protected].

I certainly hope you buy a tree, wreath or garland form the baseball boosters. But if you do not, consider the fundraisers from all of our local schools. They need our help this year. Thank you.

STEVE SMITH is a Costa Mesa resident and a freelance writer. Send story ideas to [email protected] .