Can you feel it? The magic, we mean. Of course, without any classical “winter weather” sticking to the sidewalks and roads quite yet, it may seem a little less enthusiastic… but magic is built on what is anticipated, not what is understood. With that feeling of magic in the air also comes the biggest, most daunting task of the year – holiday shopping.

But thanks to our communities’ attention to detail and interest in helping each other through the hardships of the season, finding appropriate and timely gifts is not just doable, but enjoyable.

Besides, part of shopping locally for gifts is the encapsulation of the holiday spirit. Just like in those black-and-white, old-time-y movies, the magic can be found on main street – a factor that is strikingly missing from online shopping.

The soft sounds of the flicker of candles alight and the jingle of silver bells will soon join those classic holiday carols as becoming all that is audible with the shivering “-ber months” in full swing. The sounds and sights will be on full display for the many upcoming holiday-themed events that highlight the season’s festive vibe, like tree and menorah lightings, parades, Bethel Woods’ Peace Love and Lights, toy and food drives and much more.

It should also be noted that the holiday traditions continue to thrive here in Sullivan County thanks to the year-round work of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA), the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and other local chambers, as well as the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development. Their investments into the various communities have ensured that the ever-growing number of storefronts that now line our Main Streets remain as they are – open and welcoming to visitors and residents alike.

Don’t miss a thing with our Holiday Gift Guide, coming out next Tuesday. Make sure to take it all in, after all, the holiday magic only comes around once a year! Shop local, support local!