One Christmas gifts to myself was the act of going into some small businesses in Ligonier and buying some things specifically to help them out. Small businesses play a vital role in any community, especially a place like Ligonier where the economy is based on tourism and locally owned businesses. I like to support them when I can.
There aren’t many chains in this town. Instead, you find small specialty shops and restaurants where everything is prepared to order and where greasy sacks of food aren’t passed through car windows.
These places often employ just a few people but they do far more for the community than the big box store that sends its profits to an out-of-state corporate office or, even worse, an online retailer that has no presence in the community at all.
In Ligonier, local businesses help sponsor events like the Christmas lights on the Diamond. They support the Chamber of Commerce and refer customers to other businesses in town. The level of community spirit and involvement here is enviable.
The ice cream parlor even sells these tokens so that first responders can enjoy free ice cream when they come in.
I picked up a handmade Russian ornament from a Christmas store and a bracelet made with silk infused piano wire from a boutique that sells handmade goods. That bracelet is officially my favorite piece of jewelry right now. I found a pretty plum scarf and Christmas broach at a ladies clothing store, delicious chocolates from the candy store and a hand painted miniature from another delightful shop.
My friend bought a warm winter coat from a shoe and outdoor wear store that has been in business for over a century. The current proprietor is the third generation to own it.
I didn’t especially need anything I bought but I found some small treats for myself. Plus, it inspired great joy to buy some small luxury items while supporting those shops.
If I were far wealthier than I am, I would have bought this life sized Santa or one of the other half dozen others they had with different faces and different colored robes. Each is unique and several hundred dollars beyond my budget.
No one does a happy dance like a small business owner who just made a sale and I was glad to contribute to their good day- even if I couldn’t afford the gorgeous Santa.