Don’t freeze up.

HEAR
The 1900s
What: The Chicago band bounces around happy alt-country-pop melodies during a gig supporting its new album, Return of the Century.
Why: Fans of Arcade Fire and The New Pornographers, listen up.
When: Fri., 10 p.m.
Where: The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., at Cortez St. (773-276-3600). Tickets ($10) online at ticketweb.com.

HELP
Gimme Shelter
What: Drink, eat, and be merry at the foodie party ($20 plus two donated cans or boxes of healthy food) arranged by One Sister. On the menu: veggie soup; whole-roasted lamb, pig, and goat; and samples from Koval Distillery and Metropolitan Brewing.
Why: It benefits Inspiration Corp., a nonprofit that helps the homeless.
When: Sat., noon-7 p.m.
Where: The secret location is revealed once you R.S.V.P. to onesisterinc@gmail.com (please mention the number of people in your party). Pay online at onesisterinc.com; enter Gimme Shelter in the event description field.

GIFT
Old Town Social’s Charcuterie
What: Carnivores on your list will drool at the sight of the resto’s bow-topped packages of cured and smoked meats ($15 per pound). Try sopressata, a spicy, dry-cured salame, or finocchiona, fennel-infused pork salame.
Why: Cooked and ready-to-serve smoked ham ($75) rescues you from entertaining limbo.
When: Thru Dec. 31 (while supplies last).
Where: Pickup at 455 W. North Ave., at Cleveland Ave. To order (24 hours’ notice required), call 312-266-2277 or e-mail info@oldtownsocial.com.

WRAP
Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids
What: It’s that time of year when kiddos (and those at heart) dream of shiny new balance bikes, mind-bending puzzles, and sparkling shoes.
Why: They still believe.
When: Before all the good stuff is gone.
Where: Online at dailycandy.com.

BUY
Cerato Boutique’s Twelve Days of Shopping
What: Wake up every day to a new designer appearance (Kristin Hassan, Elise Bergman, Lara Miller) or discount as the Southport Corridor store kicks into holiday gear.
Why: You swore to support neighborhood shops.
When: Fri.-Dec. 14.
Where: 3451 N. Southport Ave., at Cornelia Ave. (773-248-8604).

BROWSE
Late Night Andersonville
What: Nearly 50 area stores and restaurants welcome you after hours for deals, free samples, live music, and more.
Why: If you spend more than $20 in the hood, Andersonville Chamber of Commerce will reimburse your CTA or parking fares.
When: Fri. & Dec. 17, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Businesses on and around Clark St., b/t Winnemac Ave. & Victoria St. For more info, call 773-728-2995.

Photo: John Sturdy / Courtesy of The 1900s