Keep it local. Keep it close

 It is almost that time of year again.  Someone said today 10 more Saturdays until Christmas.  WHAT! I'm not counting and confirming but thinking yeah likely right.  Also we have been hearing about delays and shortages.  Mail early to get there on time - you know the drill.

Part of this can easily be taken care of if we shop local. If we support our local boutiques and artisans.  Search in Instagram for local pottery.  What about checking out small local shops.  Decide among family and friend to only buy and support local.  Seriously most of us have enough stuff and Amazon will be okay if we shop local. I don't want to hear local costs more blah blah blah.  Maybe it costs more because it is better quality and not mass produced. 

What about not purchasing something that has to come through the mail hence delays. Yes know family/friends away we have to mail items but come on there are enough people near us to purchase items locally that don't have to be shipped.

 Set a limit for gifts so less or no debt in January.  Purchase gift certificates for local restaurants or spas. A lot of artisans are not doing craft shows as anxious. Still a pandemic people.  Why not support people in our community.  Feel good about supporting local and being part of a solution.

So keep it local. Keep it close.  Check out artisans boxes in your area. Maybe start supporting a particular artist if you like their pottery.  How cool would that be to start collecting pieces!  We can make a difference in our community.  Keep it local.  Keep it close.

 

Doing the holidays a little differently

 I'm sure we have all seen the ads on Facebook - support local.  They were there for you when your softball, school fair or whatever fundraiser you were doing wanted an item to raffle off.  Apparently we have no problem asking for free stuff but bulk when local businesses have to charge us more for an item we can order on-line for a soul-less big business.

We appreciate money is tight but maybe people can purchase less stuff - do your kids need ten items from Santa? What about taking the opportunity to create a lesson in giving back as part of a holiday tradition?  Local businesses need our help.  If we don't support and at least do a small part when things get back to normal they won't be around for you to ask for free stuff.  It works both ways.

This is about community.  Amazon and other on-line businesses are not part of our community.  Have they every given you something for a raffle?  Sponsored you? Your child?  Yet we are so fast handing them money because it is a deal.  You are lining big business pockets. Support community. Support local.  Be there for businesses and individuals that were there for you.  Be a good person not a materialistic consumer.