SEKY November 2022 | Page 45

Here are a handful of comments from those who responded to our online question . ( As always , some responses may be altered for grammar .)
Gladys Guy : “ It ’ s good to shop for gifts at the stores . Give a gift that from the heart , because you want not because you feel obligated to do so !”
Maria J . Pyles : “ There are many online bidding places in Somerset that offer unique items for about 50 % less than what you purchase them anywhere ... you go to their sites , look at what they have to offer , say you want it , easy local pick up , and you are done ! Love this way of shopping .”
Darlene Strunk : “ Stop by the bank for cash and gift cards that ’ s their favorite .”
Margaret Hayes : “ I try to support new local businesses , especially the younger generation who are just starting out .”
Krystal Dalton : “ I enjoy thrift shopping and antiquing . I like to re- purpose and craft things for my daughter and our best friends . Charm and personality is what I look for !”
Billie Jean Branch : “ Promise certificates that say you spend 1 day a month with each other : doing activities , movies eat out , etc .”
Melissa Benson Owens : “ I personally shop local , especially handcrafted . It ’ s more personal and helps small businesses . I feel like unique and handmade gifts truly come from the heart . Sassy Southern Outfitters , The Makers Mill , Mustard Seed , and local artisans and crafters .”
Manda Singleton : “ I ’ ve reverted to almost all online shopping . Cheaper , less fuel and less hassle . ( Amazon , and other online shops . Shop through local online shops also .)”
Hannah Thayer : “ I always try to support local ... Somerset Candles are perfect to have on hand , for the ones you forget or for the hard to buy for . Caroline & Ruby ’ s has so many options to customize and are fantastic quality . Baxter ’ s Coffee is a no brainer for me . Even if someone doesn ’ t like coffee , they have a great retail section and even yummy food options . Sheltowee Artisans show at the Center [ for Rural Development ] is a good place to shop for unique handmade items , and The Makers Mill will likely be a favorite for the upcoming season . Kentucky Mercantile market falls on the Saturday before thanksgiving and has so many amazing options , I was able to cross a lot off my list at once ! Shopping local , and supporting local business and makers means more than most people realize !”
Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow : “ So many direct selling guys / gals are supporting their family ’ s needs with all kinds of products ! Shop small . Shop local . I ’ m , of course , partial to Scentsy !”
Chrystabelle Lambert : “ Amazon , Roses , Walmart , unfortunately most local places don ’ t have what I need or is way more expensive then I can personally afford . I have picky people to buy for , Roses though and probably Ross are probably the best local spots to shop on a low budget .”
Samantha Hawkins : “ I LOVE shopping local instead of big chain stores ! Some of my favorite local stops are Jazy J ’ s Boutique , Bailey Kate Boutique , The Mole Hole- Gourmet Chocolate & Gifts , and Haney ’ s Appledale Farm for some unique gifts ! I love putting money back into or community to support families like my own !”
Laura Rutherford Phelps : “ I love our local shops and try to buy as much as I can through them . Sassy Southern Outfitters is my favorite but we have so many who sell such good things at different price levels it ’ s great to be able to support them all throughout the year .”
Misty Devine : “ I do my best to shop locally . Marlows ceramic shop in Whitley City is where i get the majority of the gifts I give . I paint it so it comes from the heart .”

Bonus Question : What are your favorite holiday traditions ?

We started out our search for knowledge this month with a different question , asking about what our readers ’ favorite holiday traditions are . Unfortunately , we only got a handful of responses , but the ones we got were amazing . It seemed a shame not to use them . So , enjoy these bonus answers to our holiday question .
Christi Miller : “ At Christmas time , we take our kids and grandkids , and go to Pigeon Forge . We rent a cabin and enjoy time together , where no one has to leave . We sit around in our pajamas , eating , playing games , and doing karaoke . Time together is more valuable than anything .”
Glenda Haste : “ On the 13th day of Dec . is our son ’ s birthday . We ’ ve always put up our tree and the kids and grands come . We always have a meal . He ’ s been gone 5 years we keep his memory alive . The first year was really hard .”
Carrie Haste : “ Our family has a cabin in Pulaski Co . We go to it every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas .”
Jordan Bernard : “ My birthday is on Thanksgiving . I will not accept what you got me last year as a gift .”
Travis Walden : “ The Airing of Grievances during Festivus has always been one of my favorites .”
Bessie Kassem : ( Replying to Travis Walden ) “ My family has always honored that tradition . We didn ’ t know it had a name until Seinfeld enlightened us . Haha !”
November 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 45