As Christmas draws nearer, many of us cast nervous looks at our shopping lists and wonder how we will get it all done. So many loved ones for whom we want the perfect gifts and so little time!

Some are tempted to turn to online shopping. It is quick and it is convenient, we think.

What if the owners and managers of hundreds of stores in our area had that attitude?

Local towns, counties and school districts need tax revenue? Ask the Internet.

Trying to raise money for a worthy cause, perhaps kids’ athletics or someone ill and in need of help? Find a donor online.

Want jobs for thousands of local residents? Lots of luck with a Google search for that.

Disappointed in your online order? It looked so much nicer on your computer monitor. What a shame you couldn’t see and touch it – and perhaps ask a friendly local salesperson – before buying.

Upset that you’ve just seen a newspaper circular advertising a lower price than what you paid through an online store. Too bad. You may be able to return it after the holidays.

Stores throughout our region pull out all the stops during the Christmas season. They bring in special merchandise, often at very competitive prices. They try to have knowledgeable sales clerks available to help you make difficult choices. They let you see and touch the merchandise – and sometimes listen to it or even taste it.

And if it turns out the recipient doesn’t think the gift was as perfect as you’d hoped, returning and exchanging is easy.

Local stores pay tens of millions of dollars in various taxes, with much of the money staying right here in our communities. Many of the teachers at your children’s school owe their jobs to property taxes – property taxes paid by local store owners and employees. Thousands of people – quite possibly friends, family members or neighbors – owe their jobs to local retailers.

And when the cause is truly worthy, store owners and managers are ready to help as much as they can.

Patronizing local stores is not just supporting part of our economy. It is paying back – usually in an enjoyable, economical way – good neighbors in our communities. It is doing something at Christmas time for people who do much for us throughout the year.

‘Tis the season …