By Angelo Lynn
posted
Dec 19, 2012
As the few days before Christmas slip by - family is coming,
there are meals to prepare and presents yet to buy - remember to
relax and enjoy the rich traditions of this holiday season that
make it so worthwhile.
The holiday focus in Killington - as in Rutland, Woodstock and
Brandon - is about community festivals, contributing to several
wonderful community causes, listening to chorus groups ring in the
season with bells and beautiful voices, and for many it is a season
for worship and reflection.
And partly it's about shopping locally, where you'll greet
friends and neighbors on Main Street as well as patronize those
stores and businesses that cater to all of our needs year
around.
I am not a competitive shopper. I can hardly imagine anything
less enjoyable than driving a hour or more to a Wal-Mart, Costco,
Best Buy or any other big-box store early in the morning and
pushing past scores of people I don't know in sterile warehouse of
discounted stuff in which the idea is to shop hurriedly so you can
get back home to enjoy what's left of the day.
It's worth pondering how our society has transformed itself from
what was a peaceful, heartfelt holiday to today's national
obsession for discounted goods. And while shopping online is less
hectic than battling the mobs at malls and discount stores, the
sterile experience is the opposite of what shopping locally is all
about.
Fortunately, a more peaceful, joyous season is still found in
our hometowns where we know each other and can appreciate the
services and goods provided.
I like buying merchandise from people I know. Call me
old-fashioned, but I like the 'please and thank-you' that are part
of the pleasantries exchanged as gifts are wrapped, hot cider is
sipped and casual conversation is enjoyed.
As you make final preparations this holiday season, shop locally
because it's good for the economic stability of local businesses-
businesses who contribute to the Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs, high
school sports teams and local elementary school programs, 4-H and
the FFA, and local blood drives, local churches, and the high
school yearbook and drama programs, and …so many other worthwhile
causes.
Shop locally for all of the compelling reasons to do so, but
above all, shop locally for your own enjoyment.
Take the time to slow down; to have a cup of coffee or lunch at
a local restaurant, deli or coffee shop; to say hello to friends;
to search in specialty shops for that unique gift; to stand on main
street, or gaze at the mountains, and think about what a great
community you live in.
Find carolers and join in; go to a holiday concert, buy the kids
a hot chocolate or hot apple cider; offer a word of thanks to the
store employees who helped with your gifts and listen for their
appreciative response.
And don't be surprised if you find yourself smiling while you
shop this holiday season. Yes, shop local. It's good for the
soul.
