You don't have to go far

The leftovers of turkey and sides have dwindled and the snow’s sticking around a lot more, sure signs that we are well into the holiday shopping season. For those who put off fulfilling those wish lists until the few remaining weeks of the year, you don’t need to worry about travelling along busy and sometimes treacherous highways to get what you need.

Sure, the official Shop Small Saturday has already come and gone, but there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of what we have locally before heading to the big box stores. And recent years have added a bit of fun to the hometown shopping experience with the addition of the Merry Christmas Market on Dec. 11. This offers the chance for shoppers to play a variation on the classic Bingo game while hitting the local stores, for a chance at a basket of goodies from participating businesses, which you might keep or utilize to check a few people off your list.

And don’t forget that spending local — whether it be with cash, check or plastic — ensures that local money stays local and helps keep our local businesses open and projects such as the Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital expansion moving forward.

Staying in town and off the road while doing your holiday shopping also provides the advantage of avoiding the hustle and bustle and more time to get your holiday spirit up while touring the lights of the town, reflecting on memories of years past, starting new traditions or just getting warm and snug under a blanket at home.

Whatever this month brings for you, keep in mind you don’t have to go far to make this holiday season a happy one.