The holidays have snuck up on us again. Hanukkah arrived Dec. 12, and Christmas is not far behind. While some of our readers had their holiday shopping done before the turkey hit their family dining rooms last month, there are still many left wondering where to do the holiday shopping, as space is running out on the advent calendar.
Whether you’re still mulling over big ticket items or you’ve pared down to the bare minimum, there’s a world of choices out there for where to go to get everyone checked off your list.
In keeping with the locavore movement of eating food grown locally, we’d like to suggest you consider doing all your holiday shopping close to home and, no, we don’t mean online.
The local shop may not have the flashy, “low, low” prices of big box stores, but it’s likely to have the answer you need if a question arises. And you won’t have to do a lot of driving to get there.
Supporting your local retailers is a gift that keeps on giving. By doing so, you’re helping a local business stay open, as well as helping the town’s tax base. Shopping at a small business also benefits the shopper, as there are bound to be expert associates available to answer any and all questions and be able to offer valuable recommendations.
Shopping locally also helps to support local artists. We’re surrounded by plenty of artists and crafters whose work is available for purchase, and can make for unique and thoughtful gifts. Whether it’s something as large as a painting or as small as a pair of earrings or a pottery mug, there’s a certain pleasure these days in buying something with a label certifying that it was made in your hometown.
Businesses close to home help contribute to the communities where we live and work, rather than adding to the coffers of multinational conglomerates, with little interest in your town or family.
If you’re planning on dining out for a special holiday meal, consider a local restaurant or getting a platter to-go and bring home or to the family Christmas party. Chances are you’d be sure to miss your unique culinary getaways if they had closed, so help them remain open by celebrating the mom and pop restaurants as opposed to more of the same.This makes for warm, special memories and a healthy local economy.
By spending your money locally, you may find yourself in a heartfelt conversation about your holiday plans and favorite seasonal recipes.
This holiday season, Nutfield Publishing urges you to consider your local artists, bakers, and shop owners to take care of your loved ones.