17 (shopping days ’til Xmas) + 18 (gifts to buy) + 3 (episodes of parking lot rage) + 6 (unwanted house guests) + 11 (company parties) - 2 (spilt cocktails) = 1 (joyous holiday season).

BUY
Alpha Sale
What: Cristi Conaway sweaters, Mallory Eisenstein jewelry, Lambertson Truex leather goods, and more.
Why: Find gifts for your alpha romeo, too.
When: Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 8625 Melrose Ave., b/t Huntley Drive & San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood (310-855-0775).

Third Street Holiday Block Party
What: Boogie with merchants from Aero & Co. and Hillary Rush to Flight 001 and Joan’s on Third with sales, snacks, music, and wine.
Why: You’re just jolly from the block.
When: Thurs., 6-9 p.m.
Where: W. Third St., from La Cienega Blvd. to Fairfax Ave.

EAT
The Creole Chef
What: Big Easy transplants’ new down-home spot serves delights like po’ boys, andouille dressing, and spicy Shrimp Yvonne. Plus, beignets on Sundays.
Why: Spice things up.
When: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., noon-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 3715 Santa Rosalia Dr., b/t Malton Ave. & Stocker St., Baldwin Hills (323-294-2433).

HEAR
The Rapture
What: New York (via San Diego) disco-punks play with Casiotone for the Painfully Alone.
Why: They’re coming back to Cali, Cali, Cali.
When: Thurs. at 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood (310-358-1881).

DO
Elyssa B. & Childrens Hospital Toy Drive
What: Drop off a new, unwrapped toy (more than $20 in value) and get 30 percent off jewelry.
Why: What goes around comes around.
When: Thru Dec. 20.
Where: 345 S. Robertson Blvd., b/t Chalmers Dr. & Gregory Way, Beverly Hills (310-360-0909).

SEE
Seven Fragments for Georges Méliès
What: South African artist William Kentridge’s multimedia tribute to French film pioneer.
Why: Game. Sept. Match.
When: Opens Sun. Thru Feb. 26.
Where: Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., at N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood (213-621-1749).