Here at Channel we are getting super excited about Christmas! Yes, it's going to be different in what is now our 'new normal', but perhaps a return to a traditional Christmas at home is something to look forward to and treasure. 

I don't know if anyone remembers this traditional, old festive poem – I just about recall it from my childhood Christmases with my family back in the '70s in Old Blighty!  But it has clearly sprung back to my mind this year:

"Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat,
Please put a penny in an old man's hat;
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do,
If you haven't got a ha'penny, God bless you."
(Traditional Christmas song by Edith Nesbitt, circa early 20th century)

Christmas is certainly coming (not quite sure about the geese!), and we absolutely do need to put a penny or more in the communal hats of our local businesses! 

As we all prepare to celebrate Christmas at home this year, it provides us with a fantastic opportunity to stay local and support local. Whether it be presents, stocking fillers, table displays, decorations, or gastronomic treats and tipples, there is no greater time than now to get stuck into the festive spirit and shop local for all your seasonal needs and wants.

Get prepared early so you aren't caught out by potential delivery delays or stock restrictions, and consider seeking out what's on offer at a local level, before defaulting to the options provided by the huge online internationals – they certainly don't need extra pennies in their coffers.  
Our local business owners are ready to provide what they hope will be a bumper 'localised' Christmas. We can help make this a reality if we North Shore consumers get behind them. Channel has always advocated and celebrated all things local, so let's make this year no exception. Our local economy and business owners who make our unique communities thrive will certainly appreciate a penny or more in their Christmas hats this year! 

Happy local festive shopping, everyone!