With elections over — at long, long last — we shift our minds to the holidays. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and Christmas shopping is on our radars.

While some of us make a career out of procrastinating on that particular project, Butler County may be one of the few places where we can afford to do so.

Instead of relying solely on Amazon to get those shopping list items checked off fast, consider supporting local businesses as we enter “the most wonderful time of the year.”

In our recent Progress edition, Eagle staff reported on the numerous shopping opportunities within county lines, and each has something original to offer.

Jordan Grady, president of the Butler Chamber of Commerce, said any shopper will find what they’re looking for, as well as items they were not, whether in the downtown corridor or beyond in the county’s many robust communities.

“It’s a unique experience,” Grady said of shopping in downtown Butler. “As well as great food.”

From authentic, vintage designer products to hidden apothecaries tucked away just behind Main Street, there truly is something for everyone. Small businesses are returning to Butler in droves, so much so that many of us have a connection to at least one.

These are our friends and neighbors turning lifelong passions into services.

Make a day of it. Visit spots through out the county in places such as Saxonburg, Zelienople, Slippery Rock and Harmony to find unique gifts and treats at shops, bakeries and eateries.

Nothing is more uplifting than seeing lights illuminating the custom façades of once-dark storefronts on main streets, and the holidays are a big source of revenue for small business owners, whether in retail or in food service.

Nov. 26 is Small Business Saturday across the U.S. Shops along main streets will stay open late, host special events and promotions and decorate their storefronts festively — including Butler and Harmony.

We encourage everyone to take a day and see what these amazing shops, markets and festivals have to offer as we prepare to pile brightly wrapped gifts under the tree this year.

— CM