You could do it online. Or you could go to Walmart, Macy’s or Saks. But this year I propose a happier idea for your Christmas shopping pleasure. This year it’s more important than ever to give your loved ones the gift of buying something truly special from your local merchant or gallerist. Let me paint you a christmas picture with words.

Now I’m not saying go out and buy your sweetheart a $5,000.00 piece of art, although you certainly can if you want to, but what about the rest of those people on your Christmas shopping list? They might want something special, something unique and inspired too. They might better appreciate something which doesn’t come from Walmart.

I’ve worked with artists and galleries for over 10 years and I can promise you that if you walk into a gallery or artisans shop this Christmas, you will be most warmly welcomed. Galleries and local shops have treasures to offer you this year and besides being economically wise, it can be such a romantic experience from start to finish.

Imagine . . .

It’s a Saturday morning, mid December. Snow is forecast for the afternoon. You dress in your holiday best and prepare for a journey of unexpected delights. Your destination is not the strip mall or e-commerce site on your computer. Instead you prepare to simply explore those neighborhood boutiques which as you hurried through the last eleven months, you seemed to have ignored. Not today. Today is a day of wonderment and magic. It’s a day for picking the perfect gifts for those you love. And there’s no rush.

As you walk along the village street, your eye is caught by the delightful window display of a local shop. You enter the store and christmas bells jingle as you open the door. Inside is Santa’s workshop and the smell of pine and wood greets you. Handmade crafts and art line the walls and shelfs. Handmade jewelry, folk art, fine art, posters, prints, greeting cards, candles, textiles, green gifts, and home goods . . . It’s all here and it’s all unique.

The local merchant welcomes you. “Would you perhaps like a cup of coffee or tea? Maybe a warm cider?” She asks. As you sip your cider, you explore the shop and choose a beautiful handmade scarf as a gift for Aunt Rose. The merchant lovingly wraps up your selection. She tucks it into a boutique bag with a custom note describing the artist who created it. Perhaps the note explains that part of your purchase will benefit the local soup kitchen.

It’s starting to snow now, but you have no worries. You are only 15 minutes from home. There are carolers on the street ahead and it’s time for the annual tree lighting. You pause a bit to enjoy the festivities but now it’s time to find that gift for cousin Stan. A gallery around the corner beckons you.

Finishing up your shopping you hold in your hands 8 beautifully wrapped gifts in christmas bags. All one of a kind. You smile knowing that home is just steps away and you’ve made an artist feel recognized and happy knowing their creation is sitting under someone’s tree . . . a loving gift.

Do you need a reason to shop local that is a little less romantic and a bit more practical? Then how about this. By buying local you are investing in and boosting the economy in your own community. This is something we all need right now. At the end of day you will still have a full tank of gas because you haven’t been driving all around the state and you’ve avoided the stark gray commercialism of corporate christmas. One last thought, by buying local and supporting artists and designers you are helping them create more art, and that’s what they truly want for Christmas.

What could be better? You get a lovely holiday shopping experience. You make new contacts and meet new people within your own city or town. The artist gets a little holiday cheer and your loved one gets something under the tree that no one else will be wearing on New Years Eve.

So this year, bundle up and enjoy the experience. Take your time because you don’t have far to drive. Visit some of your local shops and galleries because who wants to go to a strip mall if you don’t have to. Where’s the Christmas joy in that?