SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | GIFTS WITH LOCAL FLAIR
a chance to get quirky
If you’re looking for something quintessential about your hometown or area,
hitting a local shop is probably your best bet. The nearest big box retailer probably
won’t be carrying jewelry from a local artist, or T-shirts for the local football team.
Shopping local for the holiday opens up a whole new arena for gift-buying, outside
the usual hustle and bustle of cookie-cutter catalog options.
Check out the art
If you look close enough, many towns have local art shops — or at least an artist
or craft guild — that organizes things locally. Track down the nearest one and see
what the creative minds in your community have to offer. From mixed media art to
paintings, buying from local artists helps support their work, while also offering a
gift that is one of a kind and truly unique to the area. Some can even do work on
commission, if you’re looking for something extra personal.
The same thing goes for jewelry
With the rise of platforms such as Etsy and Pinterest, there are more small-town
artists than ever just trying to make a living and offer up something unique. If you’re
shopping for jewelry, check around for local jewelry makers, and you could find the
perfect, quirky gift for your loved ones. If you’re looking for something with a local
tie, too, this also could be your best bet.
Don’t forget the toys
Locally made toys are a bit harder to pull off, but many local shops stock toys
— and the offerings can be very different from what you’ll find in the toy aisle at a
big box retailer. From toy train sets to vintage toys that have been around since the
1950s (but may not be in easy circulation these days), local shops often carry a much
more diverse set of toy options. Take a risk and go for something old school this year.
Christmas eve traditions
Christmas Eve is one of the most tradition-filled
days on the calendar. From wide-eyed children to
full-grown adults, it is a special day that fills our bod-
ies with anticipation and excitement. And sugar.
Don’t forget the sugar.
Cookies and treats aside, it’s easy to start a
Christmas Eve tradition. You just need a dash of
imagination and a pinch of youthful exuberance to
make it happen.
Don’t forget to include lessons about the true
meaning of Christmas if you’re looking to involve
the kids with your traditions. It’s easy to get wrapped
up in the presents, decorations and cookies, but
teaching children about the meaning of Christmas
from a young age can be on of the most important
traditions you make for your family.
Head to church
Many churches will have special Christmas Eve
services to help celebrate the season. Carve out a
couple of hours of your day or night to join your
church members in doing just that. Teach your chil-
dren the stories of Christmas and how it has come to
be such a big part of our lives.
Spend time together as a family discussing the
meaning of Christmas over a nice meal after church.
Ask your children questions to pique their interest
and test their knowledge. If they’re old enough, en-
courage them to continue researching the topic on
their own time — not just at Christmastime.
Santa time
New pajamas
Many families have an elder uncle or grandpar-
ent play the role of St. Nick on Christmas Eve. En-
list the help of a willing participant and start the
tradition in your family.
Make reindeer sounds on the roof to excite the
youngsters and have Santa show up with a full sack
of toys. Have Santa take a seat near the tree and have
each child come up for their chance to sit on his lap
and receive their presents. This can create magical
memories for children — and adults — that last for
years to come.
What’s better than a set of new pajamas on
Christmas Eve? Watch the holiday spirit envelop
you and yours as you settle into your new comfy PJs
on the couch for a marathon Christmas movie night.
Find pajamas that are brightly colored and vi-
brantly designed in holiday themes.
The more fun and outrageous your holiday paja-
mas are the better — and try to find matching sets for
the family and even family pets to really create some
family camaraderie.
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