I sold my business, Dolphin Arts, cotton-cotton-cotton almost two years ago and I miss being there for the Christmas Holiday Season.

We always decorated our windows hoping for a prize from the Chamber of Commerce and offered good deals and good treats for our customers, the people who live here. This community is special to business owners and customers alike and retail businesses in Friday Harbor depend so much on the support their receive during this season.

I see that some businesses have already gone out of business. This makes me very sad because I feel more will be coming. For the 20 years I had my business, I used to make phone calls, send e-mails, send flyers and do anything to create more business during the Holiday Season.

December is a make-or-break time for many. I used to watch all the cars lined up to get on the ferry to go off-island to get the Christmas deals. All that money spent somewhere else where the tax on those sales benefits some other community and not ours. We cannot afford that.

There are so many gift items available here on island and for a fair price. Shopping is fun here where shop owners know you and many offer treats and discounts. There’s caroling, beautiful windows decorated with the Christmas theme and a feeling of a supportive community spirit only found in small towns.

This year especially, when so many are challenged financially, is a time to be grateful for our families and our community. So let’s keep our dollars here — the place we love.

Vivien Burnett
Friday Harbor