Tis the season for many cultural celebrations: Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Winter Solstice. Although the holiday rituals vary, most include family and friend gatherings and some type of gift giving and receiving.Tis the season for frantic shopping, gimmicky sales and hyped-up (or totally wasted) store clerks. Holiday sales in 2015 increased 3 percent to $626.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Non-store holiday sales grew 9 percent to $105 billion.In this monthís issue, Jason Gray covers the seasonal retail rush, as it relates to the small business owner. Check it out for more statistics on the small business holiday rush.As the publisher of a small community newspaper, I would like to tout the areaís ìma and paî stores, and encourage everyone to think outside of the box for their shopping needs.The NRF reports that clothing and accessories are once again the most popular gifts this year, with 61 percent of shoppers purchasing those items. Fifty-six percent of shoppers will give gift cards. Books, CDs, DVDs, videos and video games account for 44 percent of holiday gifts; 42 percent of the population will give toys; 31 percent food or candy; and 30 percent will give electronics.Itís often too easy to follow the norm, but there are so many creative ways to check off your holiday shopping list.You can support your business community through unique and thoughtful gifts. What about gift certificates to neighboring restaurants/cafes? How about a gift of a massage or a chiropractic adjustment? Maybe you know someone who has always wanted to try yoga ó gift them with five sessions! Maybe someone has a new puppy and needs dog training lessons! Check out Facebook and other social media for local artists and crafters who are marketing their artwork and handmade wares.To help ignite your imagination, our writers have shared their favorite handmade gifts in this monthís issue.Tis also the season to remember charitable organizations. Maybe one of your friends has a favorite ìcauseî ó sending money to a charity in your friendís name is a perfect gift, especially for those people who really donít need another wool scarf or colorful coffee mug.According to the Nonprofit Research Collective, about 16 percent of charities receive more than half their yearly donations during the holiday season.When the shopping is finished, itís time for family and friend gatherings. This year could be interesting, given some of the election divisiveness that lingers. I know one person who has told the family and other guests that they will be leaving their cell phones in a basket at the door, and any mention of politics is forbidden at the dinner table.I am happy to say that all three of my daughters and my two sons-in-law and two granddaughters will be celebrating the holidays with John and me this year.Some people will spend Christmas alone; and, for many, itís a choice.And it is not a tragedy if someone opts out of the hoopla or the dinner invitation. Years ago, I invited a friend to Christmas dinner at our house because she didnít have family nearby. She declined because she was gifting herself with a day away from it all. She planned to stay home, build a fire, hang out with the dog and cat, drink a little wine and watch old movies all day. Alone time can be as joyful. In this day and age of Netflix, cell phones, iPods, iPads and computers ó texting, Facebook, twitter, etc. ó spending quiet time alone during the holidays could be the gift that keeps on giving.On another note, please check out our new D 49 series, Rising Star. Lindsey Harrison will be highlighting a D 49 outstanding student each month!Stay tuned next month for our annual health issue ó just in time for those wellness-related New Yearís resolutions.Happy Holidays, everyone. See you in 2017!– Michelle
