Thanksgiving has faded and Christmas is near. We hope holiday shoppers make sure local businesses feel the cheer.

The Christmas shopping frenzy began with a bang today, historically one the busiest shopping days of the year, so busy, in fact that it has come to be known as Black Friday. We hope Tri-State shoppers help Lawrence County stores and business owners see some green.

The National Retail Federation project the total sales for the November and December shopping period to top $439 billion, up from $414 billion last year.

Big corporations and small stores will flood the newspapers and other media with sales and ads explaining why you have to shop with them. Millions of Americans will grab their credit cards and checkbooks and saturate retail outlets in search of that elusive perfect gift.

We just hope that in the drive for perfection Lawrence County residents do not forget about the countless family owned, small-town businesses that are a vital part of our community and our economy.

It is easy to be lured across the river or to the larger metropolitan areas by flashy sale ads and promises of savings you can't afford to pass up.

But shoppers should ask themselves, is it really worth it? Do I really save that much? Are the holiday goodies any different than the ones I could have found right here at home? Does my money go to a business that is active in the community and tries to make a difference or does it just help some far away millionaire grow richer?

We know the county has taken many economic hits over the years and does not offer all the retail offerings it once did. But we still have so much to offer.

Drive through your local community. Stop at the small stores and do some browsing. You may be surprised at the hidden treasures you find right here at home.

Some analysts predict the average holiday shopper will spend $681 this season. If even a portion of that stays at home, our county and our economy will be the better for it.

Supporting local businesses will help ensure the entire county can have happy holidays for years to come.