For months now, Christmas has been in stores and online. Locally, two things need to happen before it feels like the holiday season has arrived on Long Beach Island: the theme of the Ship Bottom Christmas parade is announced and the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Co. strings its white lights at its Central Avenue location in preparation of its annual live Christmas tree sale.

The parade is Dec. 7 this year, one week later than normal, but the volunteer fire company is kicking off its Christmas Tree…