We know it’s tempting to buy that Christmas gift online because it may be a little cheaper, but please think of the consequences.

You know how good you feel about donating to the food bank or Salvation Army or some other organization to make someone’s holiday a little more special?

Well, you can get that same feeling by shopping at small, locally owned stores in Marysville and Arlington for Christmas.

When you do that, you are helping to provide jobs there for local people. You are helping the owner stay in business. In turn, that brings in local sales and property taxes. They all help our business community, help pay for our governments and make our cities stronger.

On the other hand, buying online brings the area no local jobs. It doesn’t support local ownership. It provides no city, county or state taxes.

Is saving a few dollars really worth the risk of causing some local business to close its doors? When you brag about that great deal you got online, just remember the person you’re talking to knows you did not support your local community.

Even shopping at a local chain store is better for the community than buying online. At least you are providing some local jobs and the community is getting some sales and property taxes. But the local owner is not supported, but some rich company is.

Some people say, “But shopping online is so easy.” But is it really that great?

Don’t be a Scrooge. Get out there and shop. Otherwise you miss the feeling of Christmas because you don’t get to see the sights, touch the holiday items and smell all the wonderful fragrances that go with the holiday season.

You miss out on the Christmas spirit, seeing Santas, bells ringing and Christmas music.

Sure, you miss out on the crowds, but that’s part of the fun – talking to friends and new friends you meet in line. If you give yourself enough time to shop and not be in a hurry it can be a great time. And if you hear someone grumbling we suggest smiling to them and saying, “Happy Holidays,” because we wouldn’t want to offend anyone.

You can also try on items in person. One of the biggest problems with online shopping is having to return clothes because they don’t fit.

Another thing about shopping in person is you can get so many items in one place. Online, most people just order one specific thing.

Cyber Monday is huge, usually breaking records every year. But this year, let’s make Small Business Saturday or even Black Friday the biggest sales days of the year in Marysville and Arlington.

You’ll save on shipping costs and provide local and government jobs at the same time.

Have a great holiday season.