Are you a Scrooge? Grinch got you down? Are the bah humbugs hanging on your shoulders, weighing heavy on your holiday spirit? C’mon now. We’ve had plenty of time to “get it up.”

Costco has had their holiday merchandise out since July. Walmart and Target stocked their Christmas products in August, and Macy’s decorated and rolled out their same big plastic balls in September. (To me, that’s no balls at all). I for one always appreciate the sign in Nordstrom that says, “We won’t be decking our halls until Friday November 25th. Why? We just like the idea of one holiday at a time.”

For us on Union Street, it’s the traditional Fantasy of Lights street illumination on Dec. 3 that kicks off our holiday season. Thousands of tiny white glittering lights frame our Victorian storefronts, buildings and trees, while parking meters are transformed into giant candy canes, all creating a perfect backdrop for a magical season. The little twinkling lights set the tone for a nearly month-long celebration. On the weekends, Santa will be strolling the streets spreading his cheer, always camera ready, while his elves will be handing out Holiday Dollars to spend in participating stores.

And if you missed decorating the Union Street Gingerbread House at the Metro Theater during the Dec. 3 event, visit Gingerbread Builders at 1775 Union where you can find anything and everything to build your own gingerbread dream house. As always, Union Street will join forces with the San Francisco Firefighters to collect toys for those children most in need. Collection barrels will be strategically set up to make it easy to donate.

Also, in the true spirit of giving, several of our merchants have chosen ways in which to give back. Bryan Lee (1840 Union Street) is part of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program – if you donate a toy, you get 10 percent off.

As in past years, The Enchanted Crystal (1895 Union), Blues Jean Bar (1827 Union), and Joe from The Artisans of San Francisco (1964 Union) will be supporting the San Francisco Food Bank and is inviting neighbors and friends to donate canned and packaged goods in exchange for varied discounts. The Enchanted Crystal is also supporting One Warm Coat, where customers are invited to bring in gently worn coats to be distributed to the homeless this winter.

Jest Jewels (1869 Union) is giving a portion of the proceeds from all dog ornaments sold to benefit the Pets Unlimited Adoption Center and charitable veterinary care programs.

Union Street Goldsmith (1909 Union) did their annual fundraiser for Glide Memorial Church.

PlumpJack Wines (3201 Fillmore) donates and fundraises for several charities that support the fight against breast cancer, including giving 100 percent of the proceeds of their $11.99 Tessa’s Cuvee to the Stanford Supportive Care Center for Cancer Survivorship.

And at Lush (2116 Union Street), the Charity Pot hand and body lotion ($21.95) will make you feel good on the inside and outside, as the entire purchase goes to a variety of charities including Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge and Doc2Dock.

Oh yes, the spirit of giving is what it’s about in every form, but for those who are still gift-giving challenged, here’s my 2011 list of holiday buys, to-dies, and oh mys:

1. Pantone History of Colors at Chronicle Books – interesting buy

2. CocoaBella chocolates – extravagant sugar-high buy

3. Gift certificate for the mani-pedi at Sydney Nails – oh my

4. Classic board games from The Collectors Cave (Scrabble, Life, Risk, Battleship, Monopoly) – great retro buy

5. Wine and bar gift items at Atys – hot guy buy

6. Pavé diamond band at Stuart Moore – to die

7. Little sequined jacket at Chloe Rose – oh my

8. Cozy striped fleece tees at LuluLemon – warm buy

9. Men’s scarves at Sean’s – cool buy

10. Black lace lingerie at My Boudoir – flirty buy

Still feeling gift challenged? Several stores will have later hours and open houses on Thursday and Friday nights, or ease into the shopping mood by beginning at one of the many restaurants on the street. Thankfully, there is no shortage of dining spots, including two new places just opened. Actually, the newest to the street is not so new. Owners Todd Slosek and Kai Vance from Unwind on Union rethought, repainted, renamed, and recreated their restaurant in just one week. It is now 4 Corners, and feels both sophisticated and cozy. Rustic deep colors are the perfect backdrop for this stepped up Southwestern menu put together by Foreign Cinema chef Kevin Davidson. The bar bites and drink menu are as equally exciting as the menu itself, and I for one look forward to many meals with our “spicier” neighbors at 1875 Union.

And just down the block from 4 Corners is Bistro Unique at 1849 Union. After lengthy construction and planning department issues, the classic French eatery has finally opened their charming doors. By the looks of it, they’re the perfect doors to fall into for a holiday breath of French air.

With so many new restaurants and stores, and with so many ways to give back to our community this year, my impression is that we’re in for a great season here on Union Street.