Well, here we are. It’s that time of year once again and we are full steam ahead into the Christmas Season. By now, many of you are knee deep in finding that perfect gift for each person in your lives. All with different likes, interests, and personalities. It can be quite daunting! That is, unless you know where to look.
Supporting Small Businesses During the Christmas Season
Our Role As Consumers
Some of you may know by now that I am a huge supporter of small and independent businesses. I am always talking about “Breaking free from the Matrix” and “Supporting Small Businesses” through my videos and articles. One thing I cannot stress enough is how our role, as consumers, is so vital to the success of the small business community.
As a reminder, let me just say, we are constantly being bombarded with reports about how our economy is failing and how it’s been affected by this government policy or the decisions of that sector of the financial alphabet soup. We hear about restrictions implemented by this regulation or that regulation. We complain about it, and we stress about it, but then what do we do? Amazingly, the majority will still hightail it right back to the nearest Big Box Store or the closest Chain Store not comprehending by doing this, they are part of the problem.
“Amazingly, the majority will still hightail it right back to the nearest Big Box Store…”
(Sigh) Poor little Tink Tinks just don’t get it, do they?
The Parallel Economy Way
But perhaps maybe this year, we can head into it with a different focus in mind. Maybe this year, we can focus on a Small Business Christmas the Parallel Economy way. It’s possible some of you may have already adapted to this newer concept, but if you haven’t, it’s never too late to start!
Of course, one of the easiest ways to find those unique, obscure gift items is to literally find them where you live. Many small businesses have brick-and-mortar shops or can be found at craft fairs and local farmer’s markets. What’s great about this is the personal, face-to-face interaction and more often than not excellent customer service.
But what if you prefer to shop online?
Well, thanks to the internet, we can support small businesses and communities from anywhere at any time. We have no problem looking for the next best thing on Amazon or the Big Box websites anyway, right?
“…thanks to the internet, we can support small businesses and communities from anywhere at any time.”
So why not join me, my little keyboard warriors? Give your keyboard a little extra workout and let’s get started…
5 Ways to Shop a Small Business Christmas Online
- Think about this… -Here you are, reading this article, right? If you didn’t know, Parallel Economies has a “store” tab at the top of the home page where you can find a long list of patriot-owned and family-owned businesses, many of which have been gearing up for the Christmas Season for quite some time. If you’re looking for something new, that’s a great starting point.
- One of the other ways I find interesting businesses is by using terms such as “handmade or mom and pop shops” in my online searches. While this is a good way to find places, I will admit it can be a little frustrating because it takes more time when looking for specific types of products. So, if you have a little extra time, you never know what you may find!
- For those who are big into social media, if you haven’t heard of SantaSurfing, where have you been? Santa opened up the Sammy Surf Shop on her Beach Broadcasting website where you can find several small, independent businesses owned by her supporters from her Santa Surfing Locals Community. There are several businesses listed under each category in Sammy’s shop. There is literally something for everyone. I have my personal favorites…can you find yours?
- Another great place to look for gift items is @SupportSmallAmericanBusinesses on Truth Social. This is a fantastic place to find quality, handmade items, artwork, and much, much more. Just click the link above or key in their handle in the search bar on TS and let the scrolling begin!
Now, if those don’t work for you, I have one more easy option to share. Are you ready?
- Go to my most recent video on Rumble titled, “Small Business Christmas”. Here I have every business listed that I’ve highlighted on my channel thus far. You can find anything from smaller handmade items to forged steel and engraved products. There are even some places for the Foodies and more…And hey, if you stay until the end of the video, I even share one of my favorite Christmas-time songs!
In the end, whether you choose the brick-and-mortar, use different search terms, or some of the other ways I’ve listed above, you will not only be buying unique gifts, but you will be gifting the businesses as well by purchasing from them and giving them your support. Now that’s truly a Small Business Christmas Parallel Economy Style!
Hey! If you would like to see more content like this and meet other patriots to collaborate with or find new inspiration, check out my Locals Community Random Mayhem Community (locals.com) or you can view my videos on Rumble Random Mayhem (rumble.com). Thanks!
-Random Mayhem