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There are traditions stacked upon traditions stacked upon yet more traditions this time of year. No sooner does Halloween pass us than we begin planning family get-togethers, meetings and parties with friends and more. For many families, this time of year is oftentimes defined by those traditions held over the years and become as anticipated as the holiday traditions of Thanksgiving and Christmas themselves.

One of the most anticipated traditions, however, was Black Friday, though it looks quite a bit different than years past. While still familiar some ways, Black Friday tends to stretch into the days prior to the actual shopping day of Black Friday. Online deals have permeated the holiday shopping season, making it more convenient to find that “perfect gift.”

However, Black Friday is more of a nationwide day of shopping and rarely has the immediate community impact that Small Business Saturday has.

Small Business Saturday involves those businesses that communities are built on. These are our neighbors, friends and in some cases family and with that in mind we highly recommend you take some time and travel throughout Austin and visit our local businesses. You might be surprised with what you find.

Often, these community businesses offer thoughtful and well-meaning gift ideas that allow us a more personal connection to our loved ones. It’s not just a TV or video game system. They are items that have the power to remind us of community and loved ones.

But more than that, it’s about support. Our small businesses represent our own. You are keeping dollars within the community, building Austin and making it stronger. You are holding up those who wish to add their own stake of commerce to the community.

Most all of us will do some sort of shopping outside of Austin, and that’s fine. But before you spend your money in one of the nationwide box stores, we ask that you at least give a thought as to what you can purchase in Austin and please give a thought to venturing out this Saturday, Nov. 25, and visit our local retailers. You could be giving that special someone the best gift of the season, but you are most definitely helping keep our own businesses going strong.