Those who grew up with something like a “Main Street” in their home towns may remember the excitement of strolling down the street the day after Thanksgiving to see all the Christmas-decorated store windows. The window decorations ran the gamut from a few poinsettia plants to a small Victorian village display with a train continuously running an on an oval track. That window was the one most kids begged their parents to stop at so they could watch for a while until the parents finally exclaimed, “Come on! We’ve got to get going – we have a lot of shopping to do!”
While our communities may no longer have the “Main Street,” we do have its modern-day equivalent – shopping centers large and small – in various locations where we can buy almost everything we need in the way of food and gifts for our family members and friends.
There are clothing stores, grocery stores, sports equipment stores, bicycle shops, jewelry stores, art stores, toy shops and businesses that sell gift cards.
This year let us seriously think about supporting our local businesses and shopping in ScottsValley, Felton, Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek.
These are our communities and the dollars that we spend here, stay here. Not only do they support the owners and employees of the businesses, but the sales tax dollars generated come back to help the whole community. Local businesses are then able to give dollars back to the various community organizations and schools. It is a “win-win” situation.
Check out the “Think Local First, County of Santa Cruz” website at www.thinklocalsantacruz.org which has lots of information including an online directory of businesses. You can also showcase your business on the “Think Local First Radio Program” every Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on AM1080/FM104.1 KSCO Radio.
So, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or the Winter Solstice, this year come and support your local businesses. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! Oops, “Happy Holidays!”
