As the busy holiday weekend comes to a close and many return to school and sometimes work on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, we know that Butler County will approach the month ahead with generosity galore.

We’ve seen it year after year: Butler County comes together over the holidays.

This holiday season, we’ll see people spreading cheer just like they were at the two holiday parades this past weekend in Saxonburg and Butler; recognizing the season with religious traditions like at live Nativity events, Christmas pageants and a large menorah lighting; and supporting the community by shopping for gifts requested on angel trees and giving gifts to area nonprofits.

The past few days have been dedicated to shopping. Black Friday saw the mall’s parking lot busier than usual before sunrise, and small business Saturday saw many people visit local Main Streets for Christmas gifts. Cyber Monday will undoubtedly draw a virtual crowd.

The experience of giving a gift always seems to outshine the experience of getting one.

Maybe that’s why this weekend of holiday shopping that follows Thanksgiving culminates in Giving Tuesday.

This Tuesday or anytime this December, we hope you’ll take time to give back to your area nonprofits or seek those in need around you. If you can’t give of your money, consider how you can give of your time.

If you can’t support a Giving Tuesday campaign for a cause you care about, share a social media post about it. If you can’t donate money to a local food program, volunteer your time.

As you consider your end-of-year giving, you also can support local journalism and help ensure better civic education via a Butler Eagle project called Civics & Civility. Donations are accepted at https://givebutter.com/butlereagle.

No matter where your gift of time, talent or money — whatever the size — is directed this holiday season, know that your generosity has the potential to make a world of difference here in Butler County.

— TL