Have A Local Christmas

This is the time of year when people start bustling to get those last gifts they left till the last moment. It is also kind of late to order online and you hope you get it on time for the big day. Now is the time to shop locally from local merchants for those last-minute gifts. Not only will you be surprising friends and family with unique one-of-a-kind gifts but you will also be supporting the local economy and making it a more prosperous Christmas for the entire city.

Image supplied by one of our subscribers of a Grinch tree bought from a local artist at a local Downtown Craft Sale

Join the Buy Local Movement and enjoy the many other benefits derived from local shopping aside from just strengthening the local economy. Unique small businesses give our neighbourhoods distinct character and are more involved in the community and results in enhanced wealth and health for you and your neighbours. Shopping locally improves our local economy and improves our lifestyle.

This year there have been many craft fairs and Christmas markets in and around Calgary, many of which with festive holiday activities making the shopping experience more enjoyable as a Yuletide activity for friends and family. Discover the many fairs and markets still to happen this Christmas Season on the Web. The City of Calgary, Calgary Playground Review, Family Fun Calgary, and Avenue Calgary all have information on all the upcoming craft fairs and Christmas markets happening in Calgary.

For those interested in purchasing locally produced merchandise check out the many Christmas Markets with many local businesses with services and merchandise produced locally. You can give your friends and family from out of town that unique Calgary memorabilia this holiday season. If something is not produced locally, at least shop from local merchants. Check out www.belocal.org to find local merchants. Your purchase from a local business is worth 3 times its value compared to from buying online or at big box stores.

Enjoy the Spirit Of Giving with your gift purchase with the many local businesses donating part of your purchase to a charity or non-profit organization. Greengate Garden Centre, for example, is looking to help end homelessness in Calgary. Up until December 22^nd, they will be donating a portion of all Christmas tree sales to the Calgary Homeless Foundation. They are also inviting everyone to join them in helping the homelessness by dropping off much-needed items such as Calgary transit bus passes or tickets, grocery gift cards, family activity passes (Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, etc.), any gently used winter wear, and/or travel-sized toiletries at the Greengate Garden Centre.  

The Local Laundry, a Canadian Company, has always been about building and having a positive impact on the community. With every purchase of Local Laundry merchandise, you can fill out a text box to nominate your favourite local charity. The charity that has the most nominations by customers receives 10% of their profits from that month. Find local businesses at www.locallaundry.ca that sell their merchandise and help build communities.

Enjoy A Local Christmas this year and Buy Locally, it’s a great way to celebrate the Holiday Season and give back to the community. Don’t forget to check out the many seasonal activities around town and be sure to bring donations to those that are Making A Difference for the less fortunate. It is the Season Of Giving. Helping your neighbour improves the community and boosts the holiday spirit.