As I braced myself to brave the cold outside; for you know the typical winter evening in Buffalo is not exactly your best friend..

As I drowned my tiny frame in sweaters and coats and scarves and mittens..

As I walked for a block and a half, from Tacoma to Hertel, I could not have cared less if there was another Blizzard of 77; for I had serenaded into a different world! A world where lights line the storefronts..

Neon signs glorify a century old theater building..

Carolers Fa La La compliments the gentle jazz..

Your lovely baristas strike a pose for your camera..

Buffalo has found a new friend in a festive red stocking, in an artist’s renderings..

Moon has landed in a store’s display window..

And Eiffel Tower is gleaming in another..

Santa’s little helper is perched on a ladder..

And as far as your eyes can go – the sidewalks are lined with lights, and garlands, and pine cones and Christmas trees, and people galore.

Happy People. Smiling People.

People, who like yours truly, braved the cold and came out –
Not because they are celebrating the holiday season;

They are celebrating their neighborhood! They are celebrating Hertel!

And why shouldn’t they, for if the board outside Blue Collar is anything to go by, Santa wants you to shop local!

So this holiday season, let us all Shop Local. Eat Local. Be Local!