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.

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