It’s that time of year again, when shopping becomes the lone, daunting task on everyone’s mind. The time when people voluntarily skip Thanksgiving dessert and desert their loved ones to stand in long, possibly cold, outdoor lines with crowds of sleep deprived people who are all unhappy about shopping at a time you’re not supposed to shop.

Sounds like a blast. (heavy sarcasm)

Folks, your shopping experience can be so much more rewarding, for you and your local community!

Enter Small Business Saturday. It’s a national campaign that draws a contrast to big-box “Black Friday” and is based simply on shopping local. Last year I vowed to do my part in Buffalo and had a great day split between the shops in the Elmwood Village and on Hertel Avenue.

As I walked from store to store, I was energized by the hustle and bustle taking place miles away from the malls. I was greeted by friendly and appreciative shop owners and I found truly unique gifts. It felt great to be supporting the folks that really are the lifeblood of our community (and that wasn’t just the “Christmas Angel” beer I had with lunch at Blue Monk talking).

So this year, use the Black Friday ads to stoke the fire beneath your roasting chestnuts, relax and rest up for Small Business Saturday!

Oh, and while you’re out and about, you might as well hang around for the North Park Tree Lighting taking place at 6 pm near Room.