our countdown begins

Welcome to mutterhood’s third annual holiday countdown. In the past we’ve waxed nostalgic and focused on gifts as our themes; this year we settled on make, which we kick off today with a story about how shopping local can unlock some early holiday magic. 

With Cyber Monday less than 24 hours away, this year’s holiday season is fast upon us. Three days ago turkey dominated our thoughts; today it’s to-do lists and tree-trimming and omg we’ve got how many weeks to pull this all together? (Spoiler alert: The answer is three.)

It’s tempting to bookmark that one website and Prime everything, but this year we’re making a different choice — to step inside our favorite local shops for our holiday gifts.

Part of the reason is to support small businesses, like the gift shops, tree farms, clothing boutiques, bakeries, restaurants and jewelry shops that make up our towns and neighborhoods. If you’re on the hunt for some holiday cheer, there’s nothing better than a cozy shop with a bell that rings as you open the door, a table with warm cider and cookies, candles flickering and scenting the air, and items unique to that shop laid out and arranged for all to see. 

There’s also that personal touch, one that you won’t find online. One favorite store gift-wraps, for free, every purchase with skill that rivals professional designer packaging. Another favorite, a restaurant this time, sends guests home with a small bag of shaved chocolate and spices, along with its recipe for Mexican hot chocolate. Holiday gallery shows are another hidden treasure, with original works and prints typically available for purchase, plus the opportunity to meet the artist. 

Bookstores will always be among our favorite holiday destinations. Remember The Great Believers, the book we chose for the mutterhood book club back in February? This weekend, Unabridged Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Chicago, is offering personally inscribed copies of the book along with a seven-page, never-before-published scene that author Rebecca Makkai provided to commemorate World AIDS Day. 

It’s that one-of-a-kind offering that only a neighborhood shop can offer, that homey touch that makes the holidays special.