The holiday season is often known as the season of giving, but it has been turned into the season of sales and shopping. Although advertised as easy and cheap, these commercial sales have taken the personal aspect out of holiday shopping. The Oxford Chamber of Commerce encourages Oxford shoppers to shop local this year.
“If you’re shopping local, you’re not only investing back in your community, but you’re helping that business owner give to their families and employees,” said Oxford Chamber of Commerce President Kelli Riggs.
To draw Oxford residents to local businesses, the Oxford Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual “’Twas the night before Business” Holiday Walk on Dec. 6, which is the night before Oxford’s Holiday Festival.
“We try to kick off the holidays with the Business Holiday Walk in hopes that people will come uptown to shop and support local businesses,” Riggs said.
At this event, held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, the Chamber of Commerce will offer holiday photo opportunities, firepits, readings of children’s stories and a performance by A Capella Group, “The Cheezies.” Attendees are also invited to shop and visit each of the businesses with a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) cup.
“As another way to entice people to check out these stores, this year we started the Business Holiday Walk Decorating Contest starting on Shop Small Saturday, and it will run through Sunday,” Riggs said. “They may see something in the window that may entice them to go in, but a purchase is not required to vote.”
In this week-long competition, Oxford residents are encouraged to walk around and vote for their favorite holiday decorated storefront through a QR code posted outside participating storefronts.
The storefront with the most votes will receive $500 from the Chamber and a billboard opportunity for 2025. Additionally, three winners will be chosen from those who vote in the contest, with prizes of a $100, $50 or $25 gift card to the participating store of their choice.
Oxford businesses participating in this contest include The Apple Tree, Uptown Blends, Earth + Metals and Church Street Social. For the full list of participating businesses and the chance to vote, visit the Chamber’s website.
One Oxford business that made itself stand out in this decorating contest is You’re Fired, who made its gingerbread-themed window display by hand, according to You’re Fired Owner Lisa Leishman.
Alongside its festive holiday window decor, You’re Fired provides opportunities to make gifts for others this holiday season.
“Ornaments are definitely favorites this time of year, but we also get lots of family platters and mugs made for gifts,” Leishman said.
You’re Fired has vintage lighted trees available to paint and wood crafts for everyone on the list. The prices of these projects vary, but You’re Fired has a studio fee of $8 for adults and $5 for high-school aged kids and younger. You’re Fired offers discounts and specials, such as two-for-one Studio Fees Tuesday and others listed on the calendar on its website, according to Leishman.
On top of festive items to paint, You’re Fired hosts different pottery and craft classes, such as the “Paint with Santa” event, which will be from 6 to 7 p.m on Dec. 9 and 16, for a fee of $25 per ticket.
“People feel like we’re a place where you can get away from all the hustle and bustle and stress of planning for the holidays,” Leishman said. “You can come in and relax and have a technology-free day with your family and friends.”
Located at 6 N. Beech St., You’re Fired is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 12 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
