4 Keep It Local Holiday Shopping Guide
SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS I GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Connect Locally
I t might seem like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but hitting
downtown to do some shopping really can help put you in the Christmas
spirit and provide a deeper connection with your local surroundings.
Most towns decorate the
downtown streets, and many
shops do holiday-themed
window displays to attract
shoppers. Yes, you should
spend some money while
you’re out (it helps the local
economy, after all), but just
hitting the streets to do some
window shopping is a great
way to bond with your family
and friends during Christmas.
HIT THE STREETS
When you’re ramping up
your Christmas shopping
strategy, set aside a Saturday,
or afternoon, to park (or walk,
if you’re close enough) into
your closest shopping district
and start exploring. You might
find a store you’ve never seen,
or at least make an effort to
visit a store you don’t frequent
very often. It’s a great chance
to look for unique gifts, while
also getting to know your own
town a little bit better.
MAKE IT A FAMILY
BONDING EXPERIENCE
Even if you don’t actually
pick up any gifts while the
kids (or spouse) are with you,
hitting the local stores to
scout out gift options is a
great way to just spend some
time with your family. Tell
your kids stories about
unique finds in the antique
store, or let them make a list
of gift options while perusing
the aisles at a downtown gen ¬
eral store.
If you’re shopping for
adults, it can also give you a
chance to glance into local
downtown boutiques.
IT JUST FEELS LIKE
CHRISTMAS
Walking the streets in
downtown, with a chill in the
air in November or December,
as the Christmas lights twin
kle around the street lights
and in the windows, just feels
quintessentially Christmas. It
evokes the visuals and emo ¬
tions from classic holiday
films like Miracle on 34th
Street, and is just a great tra
dition to add to the Christmas
season.