Worth the Detour

By Emily King

One of my first jobs was at a bakery when I was a teenager. It was not a cool job like working at the mall. We did everything the old-fashioned way, from peeling apples by hand to icing dozens upon dozens of cookies. I had to wear an apron and a frilly bonnet to work. Can you imagine being 16 and bagging up baked goods for one of your classmates? In a bonnet? Mortifying. 

But despite the questionable uniform, there were perks to working at a neighborhood bakery. For one thing, baked goods make people happy. Located in a small town, the bakery was the go-to spot for ordering birthday cakes, favorite Christmas cookies, or stopping for a treat after a tee-ball game or church. 

The bakery became a part of family traditions all over town. It wasn't just an exchange of goods and money. It was an experience. Sure, customers could have picked up bread or pies at Giant Eagle or Walmart while shopping for groceries. For many, stopping at this rural bakery meant going out of their way. But this small business was intrinsic to the community, and supporting it felt like helping a neighbor. Plus, the buttercream frosting was far superior. 

Many of us live in the suburbs, where chain stores are plentiful and the convenience of ordering groceries online is hard to pass up. But some purchases deserve a little more time, thought and personal attention. And that's where small businesses shine. Take Trinity Jewelers, for example. This family-owned jewelry store has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Generations of families have trusted them to commemorate life's big moments, from engagements and graduation gifts to Mother’s Day jewelry or a little girl’s first pair of earrings. Walk through the door, and you're treated like family. It's the kind of place that becomes part of your traditions, not just your shopping routine.

The holiday shopping season can be super stressful, especially if you have a lot of people to shop for. But consider slowing down and stopping by your local bookstore, where the owner has probably read half the books on the shelves and can help you find the perfect gift. Or pick up a gift card to your favorite local boutique and give a friend the pleasure of browsing the racks, feeling the fabrics and discovering something special.

Not every purchase needs to be an experience. Sometimes you just need to order paper towels and get on with your day. But for the things that matter, it's worth slowing down, getting to know the people behind our local businesses and making those places part of our traditions. This holiday season, I hope you'll find a little joy in the shopping itself, not just in checking another gift off your list.