In recent years I’ve been trying to be less judgmental about when folks start doing “the holiday thing”. I was raised in a non-religious home where the rule was nothing Christmas-themed until the conclusion of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, although we didn’t put our tree up until about a week before the actual day. As an adult I have leaned towards observing the time before Christmas as Advent which has a personality all its own and is not merely Christmas Lite.
But everyone is not the same. And it’s really not something worth fighting over in the grand scheme of things. Is it?
And yet, the appearance of the following program on Public Television last night definitely activated my Too Early button.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Saturday, October 26, 10:30 pm on MPT
Celebrate Christmas with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s allegorical rock opera.
Almost a full two months before Christmas???
Deep breath.
So here we are. Popular culture pushes the holiday season at us earlier each year, it seems. Much of this is motivated by commercial interests. Perhaps in the case of public television they are hoping it will put us in a good mood for making a donation. As for me, I’m going to use this appearance of Christmas Eve Ghosts to make a pitch.
You see, my use of Amazon has been gradually declining over the last several years. After the last two days I’m contemplating an Amazon-free Christmas. I think it’s time.
You can help me, and anyone else out there who is looking to support Howard County Local businesses instead. You can reach out via the blog or respond right in the comments section. Where do you love to shop locally and why? It doesn’t need to be for Christmas, necessarily. Where’s your go-to place for finding the best gifts and/or the best food and drink for making any holiday meals?
Instead of hoarding them all for one big post later I’m going to share them as I get them. Look for a few every day for the foreseeable future. Of course that means you need to keep me stocked with your recommendations.
I’ll kick it off with some suggestions for the nature lover in your life. For anything backyard bird related (and don’t forget the squirrels!) you’ve got plenty of choices.
Kendall Hardware in Clarksville
Westlake Ace Hardware in Columbia and Ellicott City
Wild Birds Unlimited in Columbia
Now it’s your turn. Help me break my Amazon holiday habit. Send me your local favorites.
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