Today is the day.

The store doors open and the stampede begins as the annual holiday shopping frenzy begins.

This is not a bad thing. Economically speaking, this is a very good thing, since spending indicates we are feeling better about the economy, and spending makes a better economy.

But - do it at home. Spending is even better when the dollars stay close at hand, and if you are spending your Christmas stash in Andalusia or other places in Covington County, than you reap more benefits that just the pretty package you take home. Your schools benefit, your roads benefit - you benefit.

There are other considerations as well. One more shopping trip to Montgomery may not seem like a big deal to you, but one less sale made at a locally owned shop may mean the difference between success and bankruptcy. Being part of a community involves more than holding a residence within the geographical boundaries of that community – it means supporting its existence. It means shopping at home. Face it - if you go out of town with the excuse that items cost less elsewhere, don't forget to figure in the gas, wear and tear on the car, and the meal or two you will probably eat out while on your road trip. In the long run, the "less expensive" excuse doesn't seem to wash. Sure, there are some things you simply can't get here, and we can understand slipping across the county line to find the latest book by your favorite science fiction author, a CD or craft supplies that Wal-Mart doesn't carry, but almost everything else can be gotten here, or ordered from here. In fact, there are many things in this area that can't be gotten anywhere else, with the number of artists and artisans who have their works for sale.

When you make your shopping list, make the Andalusia and Covington County businesses your first stops. Help your community - and help yourself.