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Try old-fashioned Christmas shopping in WC

On Monday, did your children or grandchildren get to tell a virtual Santa Claus what they want for Christmas? Did you try to guess how the magician you watched on your smartphone made the rabbit disappear? And, how about that ice skating app?

Pardon our sarcasm, please. It is aimed, if you hadn’t guessed, at the big “cyber Monday” online shopping day.

Lots of people seem to have become hooked on doing their Christmas shopping through internet stores. That is a shame, for more reasons than one.

First, as we pointed out in the past, online merchants do not support worthy causes in our communities, pay taxes to keep schools open, or provide jobs for local people.

But there is much more they do not offer.

Much of it is on display during special events held in local retail areas. There can be musical performances, magicians and other entertainment for the kids – and, of course, Santa Claus. Sometimes, his reindeer even make an appearance.

None of these things were available to “cyber Monday” shoppers.

Individually and through group endeavors, many local stores provide similar events throughout the holiday season. They are reminders that, if we just let it happen, Christmas shopping can be fun.

This weekend, Webster City area shoppers will have a chance to experience that “hometown charm” during Christmas in the City on Sunday. Retailers will be open with specials, carolers will stroll through downtown and Santa will hear Christmas wish lists at the Webster Theater.

There are many more reasons why you ought to try doing your gift shopping in local stores, rather than from your easy chair, via the internet.

You may be surprised at how much you enjoy doing it the old-fashioned way

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