Make everyone merry, shop local

It is going to be a different sort of Christmas season this year. But different isn’t necessarily bad. Actually, the challenge to make merry using new goals, ways of getting things accomplished and trying something altogether new can be a lot of fun and very rewarding! 

With the cancellation of most Holiday bazaars, festivals and other activities, these events were often a source to shop for gifts.  

Then there is the online shopping challenge. The media has been warning that FedEx, UPS and other delivery services are going to be buried under an avalanche of orders. Delivery time and the reliability of getting what is ordered may not be business as usual. 

We have an idea that is a real winner for everyone. Over the years we have seen lots of ad campaigns for shopping locally. So, this Christmas DO IT! 

Many of the area shops and stores have gone all out to make gift shopping easy, safe and fun – even without organized community events. 

To help with your shopping, we have picked out a number of great places throughout the area that are focused on making gift buying easy and fun. Of course, we can’t list every store, but think about where you shop. Buy a gift certificate from that restaurant, sports shop, beauty salon – whatever the business where you shop! 

When gifting, some shops will offer free gift wrapping. Try to find that at a mall or online. Maybe this will entail more traveling around, but that could be fun if you bring a friend and have lunch along the way. 

Not only will your gift giving feel more personal, you will be supporting the local businesses that need your help so badly now. Isn’t that what the Christmas spirit is about?  

The following are some of the great businesses that will make shopping a delightful experience. We have included links to their Facebook pages. Go to the “About” menu selection if you wish to find the link to their business website. 

Gift and décor shops 

Heading to Sayner, Traditions, across the street from Sayner Pub, is steeped in the Holiday spirit. Jessica Dallmeyer’s impeccable taste offers unique and high-quality gift and decorating items. 

New this year is the “Wrap It Up Gift Box” promotion. Beginning Nov. 4 and lasting until Nov. 25, select from gift items that are professionally gift wrapped and shipped, all for one price. Visit the Traditions Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/traditions.saynerwi for details about this promotion, shop hours and other tempting offers. 

In St. Germain, the newest and hottest business is The Plaid Bear. The delightful owner, Karmen Harris, is bursting with the Christmas spirit and has packed her darling shop with oodles of festive gifts and decorations.  “We decorated early,” Karmen alerted her customers. “Visit us for holiday decor and lots of Plaid!!” 

Go to The Plaid Bear’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/The-Plaid-Bear-111588100479368 and one there, click on the website address to order from the online catalog. Call 715-479-1790 for more information. 

In Eagle River, on the corner of Wall and 1st St., is Fredrick’s Corner Shoppe. It is jam-packed with highly desirable gift, scrumptious candy and decorating items. Far from the typical tourist trap, here you will find many novel gift and clothing presents that are a delight to give and receive! 

Fredrick’s Corner Shoppe Facebook page features sales and new additions to their inventory. Go to https://www.facebook.com/fredrickseagleriver or call 715-337-2444. Talking to store manager, Lori Schubring is like visiting your best friend! 

Next week we will feature Christmas shopping at sports, recreation and spa services businesses. If there are any other categories you would like information about, drop a note in the “Comment” space on the Facebook posting for this article. We will be happy to research it for you!