Hot on the heels of Small Business Saturday, for many, the Thanksgiving Day weekend marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

After surviving Black Friday, families begin the search for the perfect Christmas tree.

Here in southwest Michigan we are fortunate enough to have plenty of places to shop for “O Tannenbaum.”

We would encourage all of those who purchase live Christmas trees to do so in our area.

And like Small Business Saturday, by purchasing locally you aid in the economies in communities such as Buchanan, Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg and Niles.

To help those get started who may not have already made the trip over the river and through the wood to the Christmas tree farm, we will offer several potential purchase points in both Cass and Berrien counties.

In Dowagiac, we would suggest going to Traditional Tree, located at 51150 Leach Road, or Butler Tree Farm and Campground at 21515 Crane Street.

Dussel’s Farms on Michigan 62 in Cassopolis has all your holiday needs including wreaths and trees.

In Edwardsburg, the Lions Club is selling live trees for the 51st year. The fundraiser is the biggest of the year for the club. You can find your tree at the lot next to H&R Block located along U.S. 12.

For those living in the Niles-Buchanan area, you can always swing by Shelton’s Market for live trees and other holiday items. Shelton’s is located at the corner of Michigan 51 and Bell Road.

If you want to make the trip to a tree farm, check out Yule Tide Acres in Berrien Center or Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm in Galien. Both places are only minutes away and families can turn a trip to buy a tree into an adventure.

‘Tis the season to be jolly and nothing brings out the Christmas spirit more than picking out that perfect evergreen and trimming it with those special ornaments and the reams of color lights.

You can enhance your experience by helping out your communities in the process.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and editors Scott Novak and Ted Yoakum.