Every year, I attempt to holiday shop with purpose. I understand that money equals support and Lynchburg local small businesses need it now more than ever.

Each November and December, Americans pump millions of dollars into the economy in the form of holiday shopping. In fact, nearly 20 percent of annual retail sales happen during this period. Redirecting just a small percentage of your Christmas spending to local, regional, state, and American independent, small businesses could be the difference in their survival in 2021.

In 2020, I’m focusing my spending in four crucial areas: Lynchburg shopping, southern middle Tennessee shopping, made in Tennessee shopping, and made in America shopping. Sure, if my niece just has to have the hottest toy of the season, I’ll buy it. But my goal this year is 80/20 — eighty percent to independent brick and mortar stores as well as local artist and makers and the other 20 percent to those items it’s just not possible to buy locally.

Starting the week of Thanksgiving, we’ll be listing our Favorite Things. As always, we shop Lynchburg first. We also like to support small businesses in Tullahoma, Fayetteville, Winchester, Shelbyville, Manchester, and other surrounding areas. There are also some iconic made in Tennessee items that made our list and even a couple of made in America items we just could not pass up.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, y’all.

Tabitha Evans Moore, Editor & Publisher