Skip Black Friday, hit Holiday Happenings
The Friday after Thanksgiving traditionally has been the beginning of the holiday shopping season. But over the years, that kickoff has edged ever earlier - pre-dawn store openings have moved from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. to midnight.
Any earlier, and shopping would infringe on a day for giving gratitude to God. That's an odd way to begin a holiday season focused on celebrating the birth of his son.
For the third year in a row, Tiffin's Little Box Shops have a better idea: Start the holiday shopping now, when the days are warmer and much less stressful.The Little Box Shops' third annual Holiday Happenings is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
But it's more than an opportunity to get an early start on holiday gift buying while supporting the local economy. Shoppers can plan to enjoy glass-blowing and glass-cutting demonstrations at Crystal Traditions; have dolls appraised at Enchanted Moment Doll Shoppe and Museum; buy a book and have it signed by the author at Paper and Ink; catch rosary-making and ornament-painting presentations at the Angelus; get art signed by local artist Sue Wickham at Something Special; enter a raffle for a bike tune-up at Bunky's Bike Shop; attend an open house at Grammes Brown House; and see displays of art at Tiffin Art Guild and Subtle Verse.
Plus, people who visit participating locations can play Holiday Happenings bingo. First prize is a big-screen television, second prize is a $250 gift certificate to Surf 'N Turf Specialties and More and third prize is a $100 gas card.
As a bonus, the most successful shoppers get to stay home and sleep in on Black?Friday.
