shop local

You might remember last year before the holidays I pledged to buy handmade items for all our gifts. I of course intended to do the same again this year, but we just found a way to take it a step further. Our local alternative newspaper, Flagpole, is promoting local shopping by sponsoring a giveaway based on pledges. You can sign up to "Shop your ATH off" (pledge to spend at least $100 of your holiday budget at locally owned businesses), and you are entered into a drawing for $100 worth of gift certificates to local businesses. After living here only a year we have been thrilled to see just how many opportunities there are in Athens to buy from local crafters, farmers, artisans, and musicians. So we wholeheartedly support any program which brings them more customers!

For all of our out of town readers, please consider seeking out local and/or handmade gifts in your area as well. Even if it doesn't get you entered in a drawing, it helps your community very much when you choose to skip the national chains and shop local.