THIS ARTICLE APPEARS IN THE RED ROCK NEWS

December 15, 2023

 

As we count down the days until Christmas, we’ve just surpassed the 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping and nine ladies dancing … it’s hard to believe there are only nine more shopping days until Christmas.

“The 12 Days of Christmas” is such a fun song to sing during this time of year — however, each year it is a challenge, trying to remember the exact order of the gifts in succession.

In researching its history, the origins of the song date back to 1780. The actual 12 days of Christmas was celebrated between Christmas Day and the Epiphany (January 6). It was a time of rest, feasting, gathering with loved ones, and merrymaking.

For the past 38 years, PNC Bank has released its Christmas Price Index which tallies up how much it would cost you to give your true love the full “Twelve Days of Christmas” experience. It is estimated that it would cost $200,000 to win over your true love.

If you are one of those last-minute shoppers, and you’ve missed locating the 12 cherished items from the song, I would like to suggest shopping locally and create your own 12 items.

The Verde Valley is home to a treasure trove of cultural heritage sites and museums. Many of these have museum gift shops offering items that you may not find anywhere else – such as books on local history, books written by local authors, handcrafted art, educational toys, jewelry and the list goes on. By shopping at these non-profit organizations, you will be providing much-needed support by spending some of your shopping dollars with them. Check out the following museum gift shop’s locations including the Sedona Heritage Museum, Cottonwood’s Clemenceau Heritage Museum, Arizona Copper Art Museum Gift store, Camp Verde Historical Museum, the Verde Valley Archeological Center and Museum, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Jerome State Historic Park, Jerome Mine Museum gift shop, the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) Bookstore at Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot for unique items.

Also check out the Sedona Arts Center for paintings, ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewelry and photography from local artists — or one of the multitude of galleries that blanket Sedona.

If the recipient of your holiday gift is a foodie, perhaps a gift card from one of Sedona’s many fine eateries would be a treat. Trying to locate a treasured book? Check out the Sedona Library’s Used Book Store. Needing to relieve the stress from the holidays? A massage or spa treatment is a great gift. And if you never have ridden the Verde Canyon Railroad, or ventured out on a Jeep tour, now is your chance. It could be a gift the whole family can enjoy together exploring the backroads of Arizona.

If getting away from it all might be more your speed, plan a staycation. You can check in to the wonderful selection of hotels and resorts throughout Sedona.

Shopping online might be the easiest way to purchase a gift, but by visiting our retail establishments in Uptown Sedona, West Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, or Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, we can guarantee there will be gifts galore for the whole family that you cannot find anywhere else.

At the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, we like to encourage our residents to “Think local. Buy local. Be a local.” Let’s do all we can to keep the cheer here!

Shopping locally not only creates a strong economy which is beneficial to our community, but it supports our small businesses and keeps your sales tax dollars in town.

Our small businesses account for the largest share of new jobs generated each year and provide some of the most stable employment opportunities in our area. Tourism supports over 10,000 jobs in Sedona and generates over $240 million in wages.

When buying from business owners you trust, shopping experiences become more enjoyable because you know where the products are coming from and the people behind the products. Artwork from local and regional artisans is widely available. Unique one-of-a-kind gifts can be found in our local shops. Freshly grown and locally sourced foods can be purchased at our Farmer’s Market. The list of incredible shopping experiences can go on and on. Local shopping is crucial to our economy. The success of local businesses attracts and encourages other entrepreneurs to start local businesses.

Make your holiday shopping an enjoyable experience and get to know the business community, who are also often your neighbors.

You still have a few days left to locally locate, the four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

–Michelle Conway Kostecki, President/CEO
Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau

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