Every year one can stop to enjoy the aroma in the air of pumpkin spice and roasting turkeys and the grumbling of the holidays blending into one another as the stores set out Christmas displays earlier and earlier.

In the rush of sell, sell, sell, New Year’s Eve party supplies ended up with an endcap display last year while Valentine’s Day items filled the shelves the day after Christmas.

Again, this year, Thanksgiving was almost overlooked as retailers counted the short number of days to sell between the infamous Black Friday and Christmas.

What happened to the get in line at 2 a.m. to be first in the doors at 3 a.m. days? 

Maybe we spent too much time meeting new people as we compared lists and plotted out the best course of action to hit the most sales in the least amount of time.

Now, people rush to their computers to order online to avoid the long lines.

Before you fill the online cart this shopping holiday season, are you shopping locally? 

If a local store, locally owned, has a website to assist you with your shopping, enjoy!

But, if it is a big box store and the item you are purchasing is available in Orange County, take the time to purchase it here. 

We have talked many times about how much of your dollar stays local when you shop local. Not only are you helping a child attend a dance class or a pair of shoes for a child, you are also showing support for our community.

Think and shop local this holiday season. And, just because retailer are insistent we start one the holiday two holidays away, such as celebrating Christmas before Halloween has passed, does not mean we have to accept it.

Enjoy each holiday on its own before starting on the next.

Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.

 

Georgia On My Mind

Saturday, in what appeared to be a full house, at least from my seat, Georgia on My Mind: A Ray Charles Tribute was at the Lutcher Theater. 

The show was amazing, and the performers were definitely enjoying their part of honoring a musical icon. 

At one point, Clint Holmes took a moment to share the performers’ appreciation for the beautiful theater.

“They cooked for us,” Holmes said. “This never happens on the road. We eat what they throw at us.”

Holmes talked about how good the food was and how much it was appreciated. 

The Lutcher Theater Service Guild is a dedicated group of volunteers who use their time and talents to help promote and support the Arts and the Lutcher Theater in our community.

Once again, the volunteers left a lasting impact on a group of performers. 

Thank you to the theater for scheduling an amazing group of performers and to the guild for all they do to show others the beauty of Orange.

 

Dawn Burleigh is the general manager and editor of The Orange Leader. She can be reached at dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com