For many people, holiday shopping begins not long after the leftover turkey is sealed safely under aluminum foil for leftover thanksgiving sandwiches.

Throughout the weekend you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit, get some great deals and cross some items off your gift list.

You may be a brave Black Friday shopper. Maybe you prefer to skip the stress of crowds and lines and opt to take advantage of Cyber Monday deals.

Hopefully you will also take advantage of another holiday shopping tradition right here in your backyard: Small Business Saturday.

For several years now, the Shop Local movement has shined a light on small businesses — privately owned operations as opposed to larger box stores. Another element of the season of giving, this annual event reminds shoppers of a unique way to give back to their community: by giving back to the local economy.

I’ll be honest: I’m all about the deals available at chain stores across the state line, and I’d be lying if I told you I don’t plan to take advantage of them. But I also make a point — all year round — to show appreciation for the folks I’m lucky to call friends and neighbors by frequenting their shops and restaurants.

I do so for the some reasons the Shop Local campaign reminds people of annually: I get to help the local economy, find unique items I can’t find anywhere else, I get better customer service and the businesses I visit create a sense of community in my hometown.

The truly compelling reason I choose to shop local, though, is evident throughout the year in small businesses.

It’s the blue, hand-painted mason jar sitting at the register at businesses all along Main Street in Niles, allowing community members to contribute donations to help a local teenager learn to walk again after a tragic ATV accident.

It’s the semiannual event at a local pizza joint, where local musicians come together to rock for a cure and help people in need.

It’s the business names written on the back of little league jerseys, offering countless youngsters the opportunity to learn team sports.

These services go above and beyond anything a franchise could ever offer; even though they may not be able to raise the millions that chains do, they create camaraderie and show support for people in our communities.

This support is not possible, however, if people do not support those businesses.

As you make your holiday checklists this Thanksgiving weekend, think about the hard work folks in your hometown do, and the awesome products and services they offer.

That’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com