Shop Small & Support Local this Holiday Season

This past year has been challenging for everyone. It has been an extreme reminder on how grateful we should be for family, friends, colleagues and community. How important it is to be there for one another when and how we can.

This year has been heart-wrenching for me. When I’m not helping Angela with the Everyday Road to Healthy website, I’m busy working my day job in the Tourism and Travel industry. An industry that has been devastated this past year. I know most people think of airlines, hotels, and exotic places when they think of Tourism. However that is only part of the view – many of our local small business rely on tourism also.

Many of the small businesses I work with, have had to close or alter operations in order to assist in easing the spread of Covid-19. Some of them may not reopen. So how can we help those local shops are valiantly trying to persevere? By supporting them this holiday season.

Small businesses are the heart of our communities. They have pivoted during this pandemic to be there when we’ve needed them. They have implemented online ordering, curbside pickups, virtual classes & performances – you can even get cocktails delivered directly to your door these days (YAY!).

So here are some ideas on how we can all support small businesses this year:

  • Purchase gift cards or products online
  • Order a meal kit to-go or delivery from your favorite dining spots
  • Support the Arts by signing up to view performances online
  • Ship someone on your gift list your favorite bottle of wine, craft beer or spirits from local beverage producers
  • Take up a new hobby or fitness plan with virtual classes
  • Shop artisan shops online for unique one of a kind gifts
  • Share the things you love on social media – word of mouth is invaluable to small businesses

Small businesses have been scrappy, innovative and resilient these past few months. Please remind them how much we need and love them – shop small and local this holiday season.

#MaskUpSpreadOut #SupportSmall #SupportLocal

Stay Healthy!