Thanksgiving is still a week away. But it's late this year, which means it's already time to start thinking about the next holiday. So unpack your seasonal decor, relive your holiday memories and share them with us and fellow readers.

Whatever you celebrate — Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter solstice or something else — we want to know how you make the season bright. Do you have a favorite decoration or heirloom that you display year after year? Or is there a holiday decorating ritual that has special meaning to you?

Your heirloom doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. It can be beat-up or funny-looking. We're looking for things with a story behind them.

Share the story of your favorite ornament or other decoration, and what makes it special to you. Send a few sentences and a digital photo to: kim.palmer@startribune.com. Or mail a snapshot and brief description to: Kim Palmer, Star Tribune Newsroom, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488.

We'll feature some of the most interesting tales in an upcoming story in the Variety section and on www.startribune.com. But don't wait too long — deadline is Dec. 10.