Its time for your big holiday feast, and youve decided to go as local as possible. You have your ham from Fox Fire Farms, cheeses from Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, desserts from Kim & Jakes Cakes and your wine from France? To make your meal truly local, try looking a little closer to home for your beverages.

Those words also describe exactly what dozens of local artists and crafters are producing year-round right here in Boulder County. And in the coming weeks, two special events are helping connect these local talents with holiday shoppers in search of something truly distinctive for that special someone.

From late November through December, holiday shopping takes center stage in business and economic news. Black Friday one day of conspicuous consumption can set the tone for the nations entire economic outlook. And if a single day of personal spending can do that, imagine what a month of holiday shopping could do for a local economy.

There is nothing like holiday treats to create a festive mood in any home or office this time of year. Something about colorful cookies, fudge and other confectionary items truly make the holiday spirit more prominent.