Monica LaSalle, Nederland.   We all know what Friday, November 23 is: Black Friday. The first official shopping day of the Christmas Holiday Season. Time to scan all those big box store circulars and form a plan of attack. First off, set your alarm for 11 p.m. tonight so you can get up in time to drive down to the city. Next, put on that pair of Depends you’ve been saving for just such an occasion (also reserved for standing in line for those concert tickets, oh wait, nobody does that anymore). Then, load up in the car and head down to your destination so you can stand in line for hours in the hopes of nailing that great deal on just about everything that anybody you know could want. If you didn’t put on Depends, don’t you dare drink anything while waiting in line or you will risk having to lose your place to go to the bathroom – not a chance!

Soon, you feel dehydration setting in, fogging your thinking, making you cranky because the line just isn’t moving yet and hey, why is that person standing so close to you anyway? Breathing down your neck and complaining loudly in your ear? They better not be going after the same deals you are, because you aren’t suffering just to lose out to a whiner. Suddenly, the doors open and the mad rush to get inside begins. And so does the biting, scratching, kicking, elbowing; sounds like a holiday dream, doesn’t it?

Or, you could stay in bed and be cozy all night long because you know that your best bet for a safe, happy, and sane holiday season starts with shopping locally in Nederland. Shopping the old fashion way, injury free with your community of fantastic local stores, local artists and craftspeople, local locals. To aid in your holiday shopping excursion in Nederland, here are some highlights.

Mountain People’s Coop: When you walk through the front door, the first thing you notice is the homey, inviting atmosphere with a vast array of delicious aromas from the hot food bar, the ready to drink coffee and chai, and the deli snacks being prepared in the kitchen. It’s like walking into a family kitchen. With friendly faces like Brittany Griggs behind the counter ready to help you with all your shopping needs. Brittany started working at the Co-op as a volunteer 4 years ago and recently has become an employee. Her favorite gift recommendation for the holiday season is something from the candle selection. There are candles made of beeswax in a variety of scents, or unscented soy candles in a variety of colors. “There’s something about having candles in your home that is pleasant and gives a nice ambience,” she says. If candles are not what you are looking for, there are plenty of other pleasing gifts on the shelves such as clothing, accessories, beverage prep and consumption vessels, cook books, prayer flags and more. You can also order a turkey for your holiday meal and pick up just about all your ingredients for a wholesome yet savory meal.

Nederland Feed Store: If there is a special creature in your life, in your home, as part of your family, there is guaranteed to be something to delight them in this store. Adam and Abby Pause are animal lover extraordinaire times two, and provide not only excellent mainstay meals for your animal companions, but an assortment of treats and toys as well. Miles Perry is a friendly, helpful face bustling around to meet the needs of loyal customers. He recommends Bully sticks for any dog lovers buying gifts this holiday season, for he says his dog goes crazy for them. For that special horse in your life, consider buying a bale of hay or alfalfa and having it delivered to your door for a nominal fee. Hoping your neighbor starts keeping chickens so you can have fresh eggs each week? There’s a starter kit available and ready for the wrapping!

Perry’s Shoes: Becky and George Perry, with some help from daughter Emily, set up shop this year to not only provide dependable yet stylish footwear to the Nederland community, but also offer beautiful leather festival belts, gloves, sunglasses, wallets, antique silver, hats and more. With George and Chud working in the repair shop, a great gift suggestion could be to bring in your loved one’s favorite pair of shoes or boots that are so comfortably worn in that they are worn out. Just bring them in to the store and you’ll get them back good as new in 1-2 weeks. They fix other leather goods as well. Another great gift idea is the hot seller Sheepskin “Old Friends” slippers. Soft, comfy and incredibly warm, they are a considerate gift for getting through cold mountain winters. Perry’s also offers an assortment of patches and sew on service and a variety of do it yourself shoe repair supplies which make great stocking stuffers. Speaking of stockings…pick up Smart Wool or Darn Tuff socks for a unique twist to a regular tradition.

Nature’s Own aka The Rock Shop: When you walk into this long standing staple of the Nederland Community, there is so much more than first meets the eye. While being lulled into a state of ecstasy from their large selection of eclectic music, one can feast their eyes on some amazing examples of gemstones, geodes, and all manner of stone carvings offered at a wide price range. Shopper Zaren Edwards had come in to buy a gift for his mother for the holidays and a gift for a young friend. He says he has shopped for gifts here almost exclusively for the past 3 years. He likes to buy cool rocks for people or jewelry for female friends. There are plenty of gifts for young people that afford an opportunity for scientific education and illumination.

Today I met the friendly face of Lauren Hereford working behind the counter. When asked what her favorite gift recommendation would be, “the book section is incredible. It’s unexpected scientific and informational for both young and old, of interest to both fiction and non-fiction about American History” she says with a gleam in her eye. “The music books have a fun flare, and there is also some poetry.” The store features several local authors in their collection. Lauren says she specializes in custom fitting a gift for anyone. All you have to do is come in and give her a description of the person you are shopping for, and she will point you in the right direction.

The Anthromystic Emporium: located off the traffic circle on 119S and above the Re/Max Alliance, this exotic store is going into its second holiday season. Owner Heather Gray likes to cater to the unusual, the spiritual, and the exotic. Having done personal studies in archaeology and shamanism, Heather also spent time talking to local practicing Wiccans and Shamans to see what they would be interested in having ready access to purchasing before she set up shop. She travels around the world to bring back things that are not just something to fill a space, but to offer positive or specific energies, spiritual reminders, or artifacts from ancient traditions. If you are looking for a tasteful adult section, just ask. Behind the counter, Heather keeps a collection discreetly behind closed doors. You will find local artistry in her space such as work by Catherine Robles Shaw and Phil Lewis, or works of art on consignment from around the world like vintage hand dyed woven Persian rugs or Native American dolls. Shopping for someone who is looking to keep or maintain an alter in their home? This shop is the place to look, for she even stocks hand crafted magic wands and hand crafted knives.

Tune in next week for the second installment of holiday shopping the local way, when we will feature more shops from around Nederland to ease your gift buying experience!

(Originally published in the November 22, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)