Today’s and Friday’s editions of The Union-Recorder were two of our biggest of the year — packed with inserts and information on the best deals and bargains. That could only mean one thing — the holiday shopping season is under way.

The biggest retail shopping day of the year, Black Friday, may have come and gone, but its impact will remain. And though we may not all have gotten out in the early morning hours to brave the crowds Friday, at some point most of us will be shopping — and we should all make a concerted effort to adhere to the same approach — shop at home and support the local economy.

While the present economy may cause most of us to think twice with the credit cards and scrutinize our gift-giving a little more closely this year, the items we do buy can still go a long way toward boosting our local economy and aiding area retailers. Though our dollars may not flow as freely this year, every little bit helps.

And why not shop at home? Our downtown retailers, the mall and other local stores have a lot to offer. Shopping locally not only means bargains, you won’t even have to refill your gas tank in the process. Of course there’s always online shopping, but between shipping and handling and higher charges for expedient delivery, there are few savings. Online shopping also doesn’t allow for the up-close, in-person purchase, where you can try on items and get the look and feel right in the store. And when you buy items online, you don’t always know where your dollars are going, and who they go to support. Shopping locally means an opportunity to buy from people you know — in person — so you can inquire about items in the store to make sure you’re getting just what you’re looking for.

And let’s not mention the after-Christmas holiday returns. Shopping locally also saves an out of town trip back to the stores for returning items.

Gift-buying here in Baldwin County helps to support our community and checks people off your holiday list at the same time.

So save yourself a little time during these hectic days leading up to the holiday rush — between the deals and spending less on gas you’ll likely be saving even more in the process.