There are only 30 shopping days left until Christmas.

That's only one month.

Where you choose to find gifts for friends and family is important.

Local retailers are gearing up for the Christmas shopping season.

Many already have started sales and promotions for their products.

Some retailers have commented that fewer shoppers are buying Christmas gifts this year than they were last year at this time.

They point to a number of reasons for this: the weather, the late Thanksgiving date, the slow economy.

But the one of greatest concern is that many local residents choose to shop out of town.

Some shoppers travel to Rochester or the Twin Cities to visit the malls or stores there.

Shopping out of town may seem more exciting or there may seem to be more options in bigger cities, but Austin has the same options and quality gifts in its local shops.

And it's important to keep those businesses going.

Money spent locally helps the city thrive. If our local stores fail, our community won't be as appealing to live in.

A trip to the Twin Cities will not seem as exciting if you have to go there every time you need a new pair of pants.

Austin has many options for all types of gifts from clothing to furniture to appliances.

One of the best ways to support Austin businesses is to participate in the Christmas in the City events, which start this week.

Participating businesses are providing local residents with treats, events and entertainment to get them into the holiday spirit.

To kick it all off, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit downtown Austin. Christmas lights will be lit and carolers will perform. Many downtown stores will be participating.

Events will take place the next week in the northwest and southwest shopping areas as well.

Local stores provide personalized, quality service that's rare in a big city. We encourage residents to support our local stores this holiday season.