The Christmas season is nearly upon us - the time of year when significant money is spent on Christmas presents, seasonal food and eating out with friends.

Whilst it can be an expensive season - it is also the time when, through our purses and pockets, we can make the biggest difference to our local independent traders, restaurants and craftspeople.

If we all pledge to shop local, where we can, spending our money within our local community we could ensure our independent traders have a bumper season and guarantee our favourite shops and businesses remain open throughout the forthcoming year.

Gift shopping
There are many opportunities to buy original and distinctive Christmas gifts. The Chocolate Factory in Wood Green is home to dozens of artists and makers - and on the weekend of  November 15th and 16th the Chocolate Factory Open Studios event is a great chance to meet local artists and buy one-off originals: jewellery, art, ceramics and clothing; direct from the maker.

Fast becoming a fixture on the calendar the Designer Craft & Art Fair on Nov 16th at Cannon Hill Southgate features innovative creations from 28 local designer makers all under one roof, for just one day. Gifts include Elizabethan inspired jewellery, graphic art, glass and textiles, original cartoons and recycled/upcycled artworks from  from talented designers.

A Community Craft Market at Palmerston Road's TaB Centre on November 8th is another opportunity to seek out some individual gifts and of course the next Myddleton Road Market on December 7th will have a crafts and art theme. There will be lots of original pieces on offer as well as some distinctive vintage gifts from the regular traders.

Food shopping

Myddleton Road Market is also a great place to start your Christmas Food shopping - with lots of cakes, preserves, chutney and coffee potentially forming gifts and stocking fillers.

In addition since last Christmas the range of local specialist stores has increased with Hellenic Gourmet, Domipol and La Coppia each offering distinctive foodstuffs.

Eating Out

As well as a stylish deli counter La Coppia is also a great place to go out for a relaxed supper or a lively lunch; joining established favourites Fatisa on the corner of Woodside Park and of course The Step which just seems to go from strength to strength.

If you are looking for somewhere to eat out locally Pete's Haringey Menus experiment could provide some new ideas.

Overall there is lots on offer in our neck of the woods -as well as avoiding the crowds in the West End or Brent Cross, shopping locally supports our neighbours who run independent businesses and keeps the cash in our community.

Shop local for Christmas!