We are almost through, 2020 is almost over. What a year! It was like we went to sleep in March and we are just waking up from a bad dream that isn’t ending. An out of control pandemic, riots around the Country, and political fighting like never before have made this year a year most of us would like to forget. No doubt Christmas will be different this year as well, but this may be a time to reset and get back to those small traditions. Whatever you do I would like to wish you all the best for the Christmas Season. Happy Holidays and shop local if you can.
As we continue into the pandemic we are into lock down mode in many parts of the country. Since Christmas will be very different this year it is going to change who we see and the traditions we have begun over time. Our tradition was to travel to the Caribbean but that has changed this year. This will be the first year in 12 years that I have been home for Christmas. Many are in a similar situation so why not use this time to make it different in both memories and gifts? You’re shifting things anyway so why not try to help those in your community as much as possible.
Walking into a large box store may be a habit and even some of those stores are owned by people in your community so I am certainly not telling you to stop shopping there which is the motto right now, but you can try and spread the love. Many smaller businesses are really suffering due to the pandemic and when you buy at a local establishment that money directly goes to help that family owner which keeps them alive. So how do you do that?
Blue Jay by Bruce Outridge
Copyright Bruce Outridge Productions
We know you want that latest game, but this might be a good time to purchase a gift from a smaller store as well. Buy your cards from that small gift shop. Buy art from a local art sale, or purchase gift cards to those local establishments. The arts give our neighbourhoods life and vitality so it is in all of our best interests to keep them alive for the future. I hope you have a wonderful and safe Christmas, here are some places that may be of interest.
About the Artist
Bruce Outridge is an artist, cartoonist, and caricature artist from Burlington Ontario Canada. Although most of his work is cartooning he enjoys sketching on location especially when he travels to the Caribbean. To learn more about Bruce and his art visit www.bruceoutridgeproductions.com
