How To Support Local This Holiday Season

Now more than ever, it’s important to support our small businesses. Since we can’t necessarily do all the things we would normally do to celebrate the season, we wanted to share how you can make local businesses the centre of your holidays this year, mostly from the comfort of your own home!

CHECK OUT A LOCAL MARKET (ONLINE, TOO!)

Who doesn’t love an outdoor market?! There are a few local markets in the Durham Region you can attend, like Markets by Dream Day, Picks & Giggles and the Courtice Flea Market, but you don’t have to leave home to get your shop on! Plenty of pop up markets are heading online this year, so check your local makers’ social media, grab the cocoa and get clicking!

FEED THE FEASTING

Christmas equals food in our books! Instead of going to the big box grocers, find local suppliers to buy your turkey dinner supplies from, drop a local wine or brew off to friends, or better yet – order a meal from a local restaurant and skip the cooking all together!

GRAB A GIFT CARD (OR TWO!)

There’s something to be said for buying someone a gift they can choose themselves, so ditch the mall for small – and pick up gift certificates for restaurants, gyms, studios and other places you can’t necessarily go to right now, but can still invest in.

ATTEND AN ONLINE EVENT HOSTED BY A BUSINESS

We love Christmas crafts, cooking classes and performances – so don’t miss out on these traditions this year – just find them online! Look for workshops and classes by checking out your fave businesses’ websites and socials.

SHARE, LIKE AND RECOMMEND

Above all else, sharing, liking and commenting content from your local business favorites is one of the easiest ways to share some love with our small business community. Giving a shoutout or recommendation is also a great way to get the community talking.