Thanksgiving memories should be a fine blend of friends and family. It can’t be that way for everyone. We hope it is for you.

We don’t think most people see Thanksgiving as simply a cue to eat on Thursday and shop on Friday. But when this week comes, many people do start thinking about holiday gifts. These next few days will be some of the biggest days in retail, at least that’s what it has been in recent history. It’s where some stores do move from in the red to into the black.

How you spend those dollars is up to you. It can be a declaration of values. We hope you will consider shopping locally, rather than filling up an online shopping cart. It may better enrich the community around you.