2022 Last Minute Gift Guide

Christmas around the world

Roswell

Christmas around the world Stories about holiday traditions and their origins

then on, the song traveled around the world and became part of the traditional Christmas in many homes and communities.

Then there is the rather scary and darker side of Christmas tradition in and around Salzburg: Krampus and Perchten roam the forests and towns from November to Saint Nikolaus’ Day on Dec. 6. These two erie and wild characters are part of centuries-old folk customs that are still kept alive in this part of Austria.

an hour at most. Understandably, light plays an important role in celebrating Christmas.

By Christina stoCk roswell Daily reCorD

While New Mexico families get together during the weeks before Christmas to light luminarias (or farolitos), as children hang up their stockings and adults sip on their eggnog, other countries and cultures celebrate the season as well. Of course, many traditions are known in the states because they were brought here by the first pioneers and immigrants. However, there are many unique traditions that were left behind in the old world and forgotten by their American descendants. The following are some of the most charming traditions families might want to include again; other traditions might be better left out because they are plain scary or simply impossible.

Austria’s Salzburg

Salzburg may just be the most charming city in Austria, with its Fortress Hohensalzburg rising above the heart of the old Baroque part of the city. The fortress is a prime example between Salzburg’s charm and the fierce nature of its people. It was built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard to protect the principality and the arch -

bishops from hostile attacks — it is the biggest fully preserved castle in central Europe and has never been breached.

The arrival of Advent marks the beginning of an especially beautiful tradition in the town that salt built. “Salzburg” literally means Salt Fortress and mining salt from the mountains brought early wealth to its citizens. The Christmas markets around and within the city are still put up in the old traditional style: little wooden booths feature anything from mulled wine, beeswax candles, wooden toys, with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine framed by the famous Salzburg Advent concerts. After all, Salzburg is known as a city of music, where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Mohr were born.

An assistant priest, Mohr wrote the lyrics to “Silent Night” and Franz Xaver Gruber composed the song that they wanted to perform in 1818 in the little chapel outside of Salzburg. Gruber was a choirmaster and would perform on the chapel’s organ. Unfortunately, when they were ready to perform the organ didn’t work, so Gruber performed the song on a guitar and both men sang the lyrics. From

The Krampus creatures are following Saint Nicolaus and are there to scare misbehaving children. They wear shaggy goat pelts and handcarved wooden, terrifying masks, with tongues sticking out. Attached to the mask is a set of heavy horns from a butchered goat. You can hear the Krampus characters coming from

Windows are decorated with traditionally made Christmas stars. These stars are made out of wood and paper, carved or cut into mosaic shapes to let the light of a candle shine through. Christmas unites Christian and mythical traditions in this country. For example, Julenisse is found in most homes — it is a small household spirit with a red cap and a long white beard. Jule means Christmas and Nisse is an elf. The belief in household spirits has a long tradition in all Scandinavian countries, and every farm and home was believed to have one or more.

Germany as well had a character like it, the Heinzelmann. These little spirits performed chores such as grooming horses, hanging up the

afar, because their heavy bells echo through the Alpine valleys and Salzburg’s streets during the parades. Carrying large switches, they hunt not only children, but adults, smacking them on the legs and butts.

The nature of the Percht characters goes back to before Christianity arrived in the region. The masks are huge, google-eyed and animal-like, with several horns of various animals attached. Their fur resembles sheep pelts and they are often accompanied by “witches” carrying horsetail whips. Legend has it that the Perchts were to scare away the dark spirits of winter. They were also welcomed as symbols of fertility.

Norway’s villages

Norway turns into a snowy winter wonderland during Christmas and with the country being so close to the North Pole, in the deep of winter one can only get a glimpse of the sun for

washing, carrying bales of hay and fixing shoes much more effectively than any human. The Scandinavian Nisse became in the 1840s the bearer of Christmas presents in stories and poems told to children. Since then, they were called Julenisse — Christmas-elves. These elves didn’t return to the North Pole, instead they would return to live in forests, fields or streams. This legend changed when it arrived in the U.S. With the emerging Father Christmas stories, the redcapped friendly old Nisse turned into Santa Claus, the “jolly old Elf.”

Switzerland’s Zürich

Switzerland’s Christmas markets are famous for their variety and mix of tradition with modern comfort. In Zürich, one of the largest Christmas markets are housed in its main train station. Even if there is heavy snow and cold weather, visitors and travelers stay

Photo Courtesy of Tourismus Salzburg

Photo Courtesy of Tourismus Salzburg GmbH/Günter Breitegger

A rather scary sight are Salzburg’s Perchten and Krampus characters roaming its streets and surrounding hills.

Photo Courtesy of Tourismus Salzburg GmbH/Günter Breitegger Salzburg’s Christmas Market at the Domplatz with view of the fortress.

Christmas from page 4

toasty and dry inside before heading to their destination. The highlight of this huge market is the 32 foot tall Christmas tree. With the energy crises looming, due to Putin’s war with Ukraine, and Switzerland joining the boycott of Russian gas, the country shows its ingenuity this year — after all, they did create the Swiss Army Knife and Swiss chocolate — visitors are invited to generate energy for the Christmas lights by pedaling electric bikes set up around the tree.

The many Christmas markets in Zürich feature alcohol-free punch for kids and mulled wine for the adults, hot food such as Swiss raclette and fondue as well as sugary treats. Just a stone’s throw from the Zürichsee lakeshore, Zürich’s “Wienachtsdorf” — or Christmas village — enchants visitors both big and small. More than 100 market stalls are grouped together to form a cheerful Christmas village against the spectacular backdrop of the Opera House.

A rather new tradition, since 2000, hardy people dress up in Santa Claus costumes and jump into the freezingcold river Letten. After 459 feet, the teeth-chattering Santas emerge. A fundraiser since 2011, the proceeds of the event are donated to charity.

West of Zürich is a region that has an older tradition. Its origin is lost to time, but most likely is also based on pre-Christian traditions.

In the villages of Ziefen, Arboldswil and Sissach, on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. men in dark coats, wearing bells around their necks and black top hats of more than 6 ft walk quietly through the villages, led by the only man with a white beard: the “Bäsemaa.” He holds a long spear with a rag full of coal dust. The procession, called “Nünichlingern,” walks in tune with the bells ringing from the nearby church. Any curious enough to stick their head out of the window gets “coaled.”

However, this quiet and spooky procession used to be much wilder. In the 1827 edition of the newspaper “Schweizer Bote” the editor chastises the “ungodly tradition that young men on Holy Eve are masking themselves and with shells and bells are surrounding homes and houses to irresponsibly create havoc and noise to scare little children. These ‘monsters’ throw nuts into the house to lure children out of their hiding spot behind the stove, to then break in and threaten the children that they would drag them out and away.”

The newspaper also writes that the reporter himself suffered this tradition

when he was a boy and even when he recited bravely a poem was put into chains and chastised by the burliest man in the gang.

In 1930 another example showed that the next generation was just as wild. Reports by the local priests say that young “Nünichlinger” groups were rampaging through the villages of Arboldwil and Läufelfingen with cowbells and chains. They would run after boys and girls, tie them up or dunk them in the village well. They would walk into the houses to scare the children, while throwing nuts and wood carvings on the floor. To appease them, the homeowners gave them liquor and food.

Historians and researchers haven’t found any details about the “Nünichlinger” origin, only that “… the tradition has been handed down from generation to generation and belongs to those villages, unlikely to ever change.”

India

One widespread Christmas tradition in southern India is to put a burning earthen lamp on the roof. This practice symbolizes that Jesus is the light of the world. In northwest India, the Christians narrate the Christmas story and sing melodious carols in their own dialects. In some areas in southwest India, Christian devotees go on a fast from Dec. 1 until the midnight mass service on Dec. 24.

One of the most commonly used adornments during festivals in India is a lantern. It instantly brightens up the house and turns it into a sight to behold. During Christmas, people flock to the markets to purchase star and angel-shaped lanterns to decorate their homes with.

Japan

The holiday season in Japan seems to be celebrated the exact opposite way as it is in western countries. In Japan, Christmas is the time for friends and couples to have parties, make plans to meet up for dinner and celebrate as much as they can. New Year is the time of the year when all members of the family come together to eat before going to church.

A fun fact about the holiday season in Japan is that Christmas Eve is the most romantic time of the year. It’s the Japanese version of Valentine’s Day. As a matter of fact, if you don’t have a date on Christmas Eve, you won’t want to be seen alone in public. Japanese couples book dinners at romantic restaurants, the stores sell romantic Christmas gifts and the streets are decorated to perfection to embody Japan’s most romantic day.

While the U.S. is a melting pot of traditions, the U.S. returned the favor with a new tradition that started in Japan in 1974. A certain fast food restaurant chain, specializing in fried chicken, kicked off a Christmas marketing campaign that was so popular that it became part of Japan’s culture. Since then, every Christmas an estimated 3.6 million Japanese families get their holiday meal from that fried chicken restaurant. The demand is so high that people start placing their orders for the special Christmas menu six weeks in advance. The wait in line on Christmas Day is so long that it takes hours for people to get their meal.

Another tradition that was brought

in from Europe are the Christmas markets. From the north to the south, Japan hosts typical Christmas markets from the beginning to the end of the winter season. One of the markets, the Tokyo Christmas Market, is sponsored by the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy. Then there is Tokyo Disneyland which features “Christmas Fantasy,” which includes stories with the popular characters that were created by Walt Disney.

Finland’s Lapland

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and is known for its incredible, year-round light phenomena and vast arctic nature. The land of the indigenous Sámi people, known as Sámi homeland or Sápmi, also crosses the northern part of the region. During the weeks before Christmas, Finns like to take things slow and enjoy the company of loved ones — with a side of Glögi (the Finnish version of mulled wine with various berries and almonds) and sauna.

For most, Christmas preparations in Finland start by deciding where to spend it. At home with family is a common choice, but some families rent a cottage or villa in the countryside.

The Finnish city of Oulu is home to one of the most charming Christmas markets, the Tiernatori, which is held in the heart of the city. Booths are filled with handmade Christmas products and traditional fare such as knit gloves and hats, woodwork and decorations each December. The market also shows a unique Nordic retelling

of the classic Christmas carol, “We Three Kings,” on the Rotuaari square where the market is located.

France’s Brittany

Brittany is at the northwest tip of France and is home to some of the most independent people that have their own culture, language and consider themselves Celtic.

Once widespread across much of Europe, the tradition of a Yule Log manifested itself in Brittany in the “Kef Nedeleg” — literally “Christmas trunk” in Breton. As the name suggests, this was usually a massive log or even a stump of oak or some other slow-burning local hardwood such as beech or poplar that had been specially selected and set aside for the purpose. Once hauled into the hearth, a prayer was said before the log was sprinkled with salt and water from a sacred fountain. The log would be lit just before the family set off to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and it was supposed to burn until the Feast of the Epiphany. The embers of the log were collected as they were believed to be able to purify water. After the log burnt to ash, the ash was placed under the beds in order to protect the home from lightning strikes and snakes until the next Christmas.

Père Noël, “Father Christmas” or Santa Clause was almost unheard of in Brittany until around the time of World War II. Instead, the infant Jesus would descend the chimney to leave a gift rewarding good behavior. The reason for the chimney entry — which was scrubbed clean — was

File Photo

A “Jöölboom” decorated with salt dough sculptures and a wreath with green branches belongs to the tradition of the Fresian islands that are located in the North Sea along the coast of the Netherlands and Germany.

Photo Courtesy of Zürich Tourism

Booths at the local Christmas markets in Switzerland carry traditional items such as wooden carvings and sculptures.

Photo Courtesy of Zürich Tourism

This gingerbread heart carries the greeting from the Swiss town of Rapperswil-Jona, near the town of Zürich. These edible hearts can be found at Christmas markets in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. Continued

that it was believed that all humans who walked through a doorway were stained one way or another by earthly sin.

There were other beliefs unique to Brittany: Farmers would place straw wreaths around their fruit trees in the hope of ensuring a good year’s harvest. During midnight mass, at the time of consecration, a candle was said to cast light on the spot where a hidden treasure could be found. At the same time, the water in the sacred fountains was transformed into wine.

Most likely, the belief of a hidden treasure in a shadow originates before Christianity reached Brittany, as legends talk about a menhir stone that would be raised into the air by birds. Its shadow revealed a glimpse of a secret treasure trove the menhir was guarding.

Also based on druidic beliefs that carried into Christianity was that priests could change into animals — only on Advent, of course.

Near the coastline, fishermen and their families would listen — as the church bell sounded midnight — if they could hear the chimes of the church bells of Ker-Is, the legendary sunken city of Brittany, ringing in the distance.

Upon returning home from midnight mass, the farmer would give a small piece of bread to his animals to ensure their good health over the year ahead and protect them against the bite of a rabid dog.

Spain’s Ituren

Ituren is part of the Basque region of Spain and its Christmas Eve is a dazzling mix of pagan and Christian festivities — it centers around the charcoal maker Olentzero. According to the legend, he would go from village to village to behead those who

ate too much on pagan holidays. With Christianity becoming the dominant religion, the violent creature changed its character and mellowed out. In stories told to children the character became humble and kind with a generous heart who carved wooden animals, toys and dolls to bring them on his donkey to the kids in the villages. One of the stories turns him into a hero, saving children of the village from a burning house only to be killed in their stead. A light darted upwards and heavenwards with his soul. He was carried by a fairy who had raised him in the woods. She granted him everlasting life because of his sacrifice and told him to continue making toys and bringing them to children of the Basque countryside on Holy Eve.

England’s Wales

Singing is part of Welsh culture and identity ever since bardes roamed the countryside in the 12th century and it continues so today. Visitors can find stadiums filled with thousands of rugby fans suddenly breaking out in their Welsh hymns; there are singing contests and locals grow up singing not only in schools, but parties, church, pubs and finally at funerals. It is no wonder that singing plays a big part in Welsh Christmas.

The name for Christmas in Welsh is “Y Nadolig” — and in many parts

of Wales people would attend a very early church service between 3 and 6 a.m. For more than three hours men would sing in the rural churches a cappella three or four-part harmony carols during the service. Today, the tradition continues.

The day after Christmas Day is called “Gwyl San Steffan,” honoring Saint Stephen. In the past, a rather unusual tradition, unique to Wales, took place. It included the tradition of “holly-beating” or “holming.” Young men and boys would beat the unprotected arms of young women with holly branches, sometimes until they bled. In some areas it was the legs that were beaten, in others, the last person to get out of bed in the morning fell victim to the thorny plant. Today, this custom doesn’t exist anymore, fortunately for young women and those who like to sleep in.

Netherland’s and Germany’s Friesland/Fresian

The historic area of the provinces Friesland, known also as Frisia, starts in the most northeast part of the Netherlands and continues with the islands belonging to Germany in the North Sea. Being cut off from the mainland, a unique culture of fishermen developed with its own language mixing Dutch, Scandinavian and

lower German words. The windswept islands have no trees, so the ingenuity of locals gave birth to a manmade “Friesen Christmas tree,” known as Jöölboom. This tree is made out of a small wooden frame, decorated with a wreath out of green twigs and figures made out of salt dough. Salt dough is a self-made modeling clay for crafting. Traditionally the salt dough figures are of a pig, a cow, a sheep, a horse, a rooster, a sailing boat and a windmill. On the bottom of the “trunk” Adam and Eve are standing underneath an apple tree with a serpent. Fresians continue this tradition and are still putting their “Jöölboom” into the windows for others to see.

East Africa’s Tanzania

About one-third of the Tanzanian population considers themselves Christian, so Christmas is a major event in their community. It remains a family-oriented festival and commercialism hasn’t touched it as much. However, often the families are split up, the young living far away in towns and cities because of work, while the parents and grandparents remain in the rural countryside.

Families frequently purchase a calf or kid goat in January, feeding and raising them over the year, to be able to feed their family in time for Christmas. Another tradition for many communities is the making of beer. Tribes develop their own brands and recipes, some are similar to beer, others rather wine-like, made from bananas and sprouted millet. On Christmas Eve, the beer and wine is brought out to be enjoyed with the dinner. On Christmas Day, many families leave their homes early for church. Children sing English and Swahili Christmas carols alongside traditional music during and after the church service.

Christina Stock may be contacted at 622-7710, ext. 309, or at vision@ rdrnews.com.

No community stays the same forever. Despite the sense of familiarity individuals may feel when visiting their hometown, those communities have undoubtedly undergone significant changes over the years.

Over the first two decades of the 21st century, small towns have been forced to confront an assortment of changes and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Main Street is what makes most towns unique, and many communities recognize how vital a thriving local business scene is to the survival of their towns and cities. As public health advocates and politicians increasingly declare that the pandemic is nearing its end, communities can work together and take these steps to revitalize Main Street.

• Recognize there’s no magic formula. When attempting to revitalize a community business district, it’s important that elected officials, business owners and residents recognize that

what worked for one town or city will not necessarily work for their town. This is an important recognition, as it underscores the benefits of listening to everyone’s ideas and considering new approaches, even if they don’t have a proven track record.

• Identify what makes your community unique. Each community has its own unique assets, and case studies conducted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have found that identifying these assets offer the best opportunities for growth. For example, a community with a rich history can make that history a focal point of their revitalization efforts. If a community is located on a lake or another body of water, revitalization efforts can be focused on capitalizing on the allure of waterfront dining and entertainment.

• Make it easy for investors. Revitalization efforts require investment. Towns and cities that have seen better days may

not generate the level of tax revenue necessary to finance revitalization efforts, necessitating outside investment. It may require walking a tightrope, but local officials can explain strategies to encourage outside investors to residents and current business owners in their communities. These strategies may involve offering new incentives to investors, but residents and business owners may be more likely to support such measures if they’re kept informed as those strategies are developed and implemented.

• Emphasize the need for cooperation. The EPA case studies found that cooperation within the community enabled towns and cities that successfully revitalized to leverage the assets that each party brought to the table and make the most of local resources. By emphasizing the many benefits of a collective effort, local officials can reassure residents and business owners that they aren’t just paying lip service but putting a community’s willingness to work together to use in service of everyone.

Successful efforts to revitalize Main Street have often been found in communities that have worked together to identify their assets and sought input from residents, business owners and even outside investors.

Veronika Ederer Photo

One of Roswell Daily Record Columnist Veronika Ederer’s favorite Christmas markets in her hometown of Zürich is located in the city’s main train station.

PlayStation 5 shopping tips and tricks

a reasonable price, with some Digital models going for $200 above the retail price.

Here are a few ideas how to get these consoles for retail prices or below, or find an equivalent alternative. Keep in mind, these methods are not guaranteed. Often these consoles go out of stock as soon as they are available.

by itself, your best bet is to just keep checking back to see if they are back in stock.

Amazon

The retail price for a PlayStation 5 Digital Model costs $400 and the Disc Model costs $100 more. Due to supply chain issues and scalpers, the Playstation 5 can be hard to find at

Buy Directly

The most reliable way to get a PlayStation 5 Console at retail price is to go to the official PlayStation website and order it directly from there.

To buy the console, you need to have a PlayStation Network account and sign in to the website. If they still have stock, you’ll be able to buy a console with a video game bundle for the retail price and free shipping. The consoles are often out-of-stock by themselves and the ones in stock are bundled with the latest PlayStation 5 games. If you just want the console

Amazon is another way you can get a PlayStation 5 console for the retail price but it’s a slower process. To get the opportunity to buy the console, you must be invited by Amazon to purchase one.

On your Amazon account, look up the PlayStation 5 console, pick which model you want, and click the yellow “Request Invitation” button to register for a console. Amazon will send you the invite via email. The invitations come in waves to qualifying customers and the most recent wave of PlayStation 5 consoles just finished. Make sure you are ordering from a certified Amazon PlayStation retailer to get the right price.

Buying used

Buying a used console is a form of last resort. If you or a loved one can wait, you might be better off waiting for a new console rather than dealing with unknown parties to avoid potential scams or other trickery. On top of getting scammed, most sellers are

scalping prices for new consoles and it can be tough to find a PlayStation 5 at a decent price.

If you have to shop at online marketplaces, we can mitigate these dangers by keeping your transactions local and meeting the seller in a public place. Make sure you are checking the consoles for damages and request proof that the console works. If keeping it local is impossible, make sure you are buying your console from a well-reviewed and established seller.

It can be rare to find anything below retail price, but finding an honest seller can help get you the console you want at a decent price.

Alternatives

If all else has failed, a good alternative would be the Xbox Series X or S. The Xbox consoles can still be seen in stock in some retail stores and online sellers. The Series S, the digital-only model, is currently going under the retail suggested price. Sure, you’ll miss out on all the PlayStation-exclusive games, but Xbox has a much better games subscription service that offers hundreds of games for a monthly fee.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 32 years in Roswell. We’ve enjoyed your visits in 2022, And hope to see all again-For one thing that we know is true, Is we wouldn’t be here without all of you! So without any fanfare or further delay, We’d like to wish all a great holiday. Pepper’s Gift Cards make great Christmas Gifts! MAIN & 6TH 623-1700 CATERING

The shop local movement is a worthy endeavor. A thriving Main Street can foster a sense of community, encourage entrepreneurs young and old to pursue their dreams and expose residents to a host of new ideas and products. But the benefits of a strong local business sector don’t end there. In fact, communities have much to gain economically from promoting Main Street.

Though the numbers vary from year to year, a recent report from the U.S. Small Business Administration indicated that, for every $100 a consumer spends at a small business, $48 remains in the community where that business is located. By contrast, just $14 out of every $100 remains in the community when that money is spent at a big-box store or national retailer. With so much to gain from a thriving local business scene, community leaders and residents can plan and embrace events that showcase the

many small businesses that make their towns and cities unique. There are many ways to promote local businesses, and the following are three creative event ideas to get locals and non-locals alike excited about the businesses that offer so much to your community.

• Shop local at night: Many communities participate in restaurant weeks that draw scores of visitors to the cafes and eateries in their town. A similar approach can be employed to bring people to Main Street for something other than food. A shop local at night event can feature special discounts during a time of year when business might otherwise be slow. Community organizers can close Main Street to vehicle traffic throughout the week to encourage people to walk around and visit all the small businesses in their communities.

• Holiday festivals: Holiday bazaars may be most often associated with the holiday season that runs from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s Day. But there’s no reason why communities cannot plan and promote similar festivals during other popular holidays, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. A Valentine’s Day festival the week before the holiday can encourage locals to get out and shop for that special someone, while a Halloween festival can encourage people to spend time outdoors patronizing local businesses during a time of year when the weather is welcoming for all.

• Workshop week: Workshop weeks can be great ways for local businesses to inspire interest in their offerings while showcasing the many talented

individuals who help them thrive. Each night can feature a different workshop hosted by local businesses. For example, a Monday night restaurant workshop can feature chefs from local restaurants teaching locals how to prepare a certain dish. Another night during the week can feature local artisans offering lessons on the basics of their skills, such as woodworking, framing or gardening. Such an event is a great way for local businesses to put a face on their companies and meet locals who appreciate their talents.

There’s no shortage of ways to promote local businesses. Special events in which local businesses are the star is a great way to inspire locals to support the companies that help make their communities unique.

The importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated. Though national chains often garner publicity, local businesses are equally, if not exceedingly, worthy of attention.

What defines a small business as “small” varies significantly, but these businesses are generally privately owned and generate far less revenue than big corporations. General consensus also defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 paid employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Here’s a deep look at why small businesses are so vital, and why consumers should direct more of their purchasing power to smaller compa -

nies rather than the big box retailers and other national chains.

1. Autonomy and diversity

The layout and offerings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located. That familiarity can come at the cost of variety. On the other hand, an independent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve.

2. Local hiring strategy

Certain big box retailers will hire

local residents, but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. This could mean relocating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities. Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area — something that keeps more resources and money in the community.

3. Adaptability and change

Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change. Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape, meetings and updates to corporate policies. Changes also can be customized to the local community at large.

4. Investing in the town

According to the financial resource

Financial Slot, shopping at locally owned businesses rather than big box retailers keeps more money in the community. Local property taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the community. This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes. The funding helps keep police, fire and school departments functioning properly.

5. Turnover is greater

While no one wants to see a small business fail, that fate is sometimes unavoidable. However, that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes. It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old, driving new growth, opportunity and competition that keeps prices competitive.

The benefits of a thriving small business sector are numerous. Consumers can do their part by patronizing these firms more frequently.

Small businesses continue to be the backbone of the North American business community. According to the career resource Zippia, there are 33.2 million small businesses in the United States. Those organizations employ around 62 million people. The financial wellness company Fortunly says that small businesses account for nearly half of all private sector jobs in Canada. In fact, small employer businesses made up 98.1 percent of all businesses in Canada in 2021.

Despite the prevalence of small businesses and the abundance of people willing to become entrepre -

neurs, 20 percent of these firms fail within the first year, and only 55 percent survive five years or more, says Zippia. The COVID-19 pandemic was particularly harsh on small businesses. However, many of them survived through digitization that they plan to continue to utilize even when the pandemic is long gone.

Maintaining a small business through economic highs and lows and other issues often comes down to customer involvement. Consumers are the driving forces behind the success of small businesses. Here are some effective ways for consumers to help small businesses grow.

33.2 million small businesses in

vices may be convenient, but businesses have to share the profit from your purchase with the delivery service, cutting into their bottom lines. Pick up your order or rely on the restaurants’ own delivery teams.

• Engage with the business online. Complicated algorithms and other factors determine how a business’ website or social media page gets seen by the public. You can help things along by liking pages, visiting the website frequently and sharing any posts.

Shopping local means becoming repeat patrons at the independent businesses that comprise Main Street as opposed to the chain stores that dominate strip malls.

• Share on social. Social media can be a great way to spread the word about businesses you like and point out particular examples why you shop there. Utilizing social media platforms to highlight the positive attributes of a business can help that business grow.

• Call direct for take-out orders. Those ubiquitous third-party food delivery ser-

• Speak about a business in person. When out and about, whether you’re dining with friends or chatting with a stranger, try to push and recommend businesses you support. If someone compliments your lawn, shoes or haircut, mention the businesses that did the work or sold you the products.

• Suggest opportunities for exposure. If you know about a school or organization looking for vendors, make the suggestion to a small business you use frequently. They may get new customers from participating in the event.

Small businesses are driving forces in the economy. Consumers can do their part to keep them thriving and profitable.

Did you know?

The Small Business Administration estimates that, for every $100 consumers spend at a small business, $48 remains in the community

C onscientious consumers who want to help local entrepreneurs thrive may not need any extra incentive to support small businesses in their communities. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth noting the tax benefits of buying local compared to buying online or in other towns or cities. Small businesses pay sales taxes to the city and county where the business is located, which means a significant amount of the money spent at local businesses is ultimately going to the community at large. In addition, local businesses tend to hire local residents, who pay taxes on their incomes. Those taxes also benefit the towns and cities where workers live and work. This ripple effect of supporting local businesses is one reason why the Small Business Administration estimates that, for every $100 consumers spend at a small business, $48 remains in the community.

the United States

Small businesses account for nearly half of all private sector jobs in Canada

By Christina stoCk roswell Daily reCorD

Serves four

Cordon Bleu

Afestive dinner doesn’t have to be pricy or complicated. I encountered the dish Cordon Bleu for the first time in Switzerland when I was a kid. Translated it means “blue ribbon” and it originates from the Swiss chef of the captain of the steamboat “Bremen.” The captain’s name was Leopold Ziegenbein — a sailor through and through — he loved hearty food, but especially Swiss cheese. In 1929 and 1933 he won the “Blue Ribbon” when he made the crossing of the Atlantic in under five days, a record at the time. To celebrate, he asked his Swiss chef to make a special dish with cheese. Unfortunately, the chef had already cut veal in preparation for the feast and had to come up with something. This something was Cordon Bleu, where he stuffed the veal with cheese and ham. While you may use veal or chicken, I used in my recipe pork:

Ingredients:

• 4 pork tenderloin

• 4 1 oz. slices Swiss Gruyère cheese

• 4 1 oz slices ham

• Salt, pepper and Hungarian paprika

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs or other bread crumbs

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cups heavy cream

Preparation:

1. If your tenderloin slices aren’t butterflied, do it now, careful not to cut completely through. Put the first piece between two sheets of wax paper or

parchment paper and use the flat end of a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin to pound the pork tenderloin into thin steaks about 1/4 inch thick. Careful that you don’t rip the flesh or the cheese may escape during the frying.

2. Add salt, pepper and paprika and rub in evenly on both sides of the flattened pork chops. Add a slice of ham and cheese in the center and fold over. Close the open sides with three to four wooden toothpicks.

3. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the flour and whisk it so there are no clumps remaining and put on a large plate. Place the beaten egg with the heavy cream in a deeper bowl, followed by the bread crumbs on another plate.

4. Carefully pick up the stuffed pork and lightly coat each side in the flour mixture, shake off extra flour, then dip in the egg mixture, followed by the panko bread crumbs to coat. Let rest for 5 minutes.

5. While the breaded pork rests, preheat the oven stove to 325F and heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat on the top of the stove.

6. Once the oil is hot, place the pork in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side to form a golden brown crust.

7. Move the skillet into the oven for an additional 7 to 10 minutes or until cooked through — cooking time depends on the thickness of the pork and the oven.

Serve with potatoes or fries and salad.

Christina Stock Photo

Serving suggestion for Cordon Bleu. Cordon Bleu may be made with pork, chicken or veal and stuffed with ham and any kind of cheese. In this case, it is the strong Swiss Gruyère cheese that was used.

By terri harBer roswell Daily reCorD

Donating to a charity or nonprofit can be as fulfilling as buying gifts during the holiday season. Some of these local groups not only accept donations of money, they also accept tangible items or physical assistance through volunteering.

The Federal Trade Commission advises people to do their research about the potential beneficiaries before giving your money to a charity or nonprofit group. To ensure the donation is tax-deductible, they recommend you use the Internal Revenue Service website, IRS.gov.

New Mexico requires all charitable organizations and private foundations that “exist, operate or solicit funds” in the state to register online and file annual reports with the Attorney General’s office. This state website also takes complaints about specific charities, www.nmag.gov

Roswell Humane Society Inc.

This organization operates a thrift store and kennel in the city. Money donations are always needed.

Krystle Noble, shelter manager, says the type of food they feed the animals is important. She explained that they ask for specific pet food brands because many manufacturers use red dyes, which turn animals’ stool red and mask other physical problems an animal might be suffering. A significant number of cats are also allergic to the red dye, Noble explained.

Other items the Humane Society needs include Pine Sol or bleach for cleaning, 13- and 33-gallon trash bags, sheets, towels and small washable dog beds. Among things they can’t use in the shelter are pillows or blankets containing stuffing.

Also welcome are items that could be sold in the thrift store. Volunteers are also needed for a variety of tasks. Call 575-622-8950 for details about giving or volunteering. The website has some features available but is being revamped, Roswellhumane.org.

Roswell Homeless Coalition

This group houses individuals and single-mother families that are experiencing homelessness and operates live-in programs of up to 90 days. Money donations are always needed.

The coalition also helps with a variety of issues people without stable living situations face. If they can’t fulfill a request they will refer the client to another resource, said Erica Boggs, director of the coalition.

People who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless are referred to HUD for an emergency housing voucher. Those who are homeless can also find

hygiene bags, socks, gloves, beanies, sleeping bags, coats, hand warmers, scarves, water and pop-top canned foods at the Roswell Homeless Coalition.

The organization’s website, roswellhomelesscoalition.com allows for online monetary donations. Email erica@roswellhomelesscoalition for details about how to donate other items or to volunteer.

Assurance Home

This 6,000-square-foot home on 15 acres is for up to 15 youths, ages 12-18 who are homeless or considered at-risk, who requires caring support as well as a safe place to live. Money donations are always needed.

Assurance Home still has a horse program, but no longer offers has its Mustang Project, which garnered a great deal of media attention. Working with the horses has been known to help the youth at Assurance Home heal, said Ron Malone, executive director.

Other outdoor facilities include a rope course, climbing wall and basketball court. Staff try to find ways for the youth at Assurance Home to “create new happy memories,” the website explained. Activities include off-site excursions, as well as sports and school-related endeavors and even part-time jobs can offer these youth future possibilities. Assurance didn’t close down during the pandemic because helping young people is an essential service, Malone noted.

Assurance is like a large household, which requires supplies. These young people often need new clothing, coats,

shoes and items for school.

To donate money, visit assurancehome.org. For other donations, call 575-624-1780.

Vitalant (Roswell location)

The holidays can be challenging for those who collect blood donations. The supply of blood falls because people become busy at this time of year and have trouble finding the time to donate.

As a result, the blood supply shrinks and is tight in the new year.

People willing to donate blood in late December “will make a huge difference in early January,” said Stephanie Seabrease, Vitalant’s senior account manager for New Mexico. “It’s important we keep those shelves stocked.”

Roswell Rotary is hosting a blood drive on Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. at 400 N. Pennsylvania Ave., where the bloodmobile will be set up. Vitalant’s Holiday Heroes blood drive in Roswell will be on Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its local donation center, 3 Grand Avenue Plaza.

The Roswell location takes donations of regular blood, double red cell and plasma. The office isn’t opened five days a week because staff travel to other locations throughout the southeast region of the state for blood collection as well.

While Seabrease said Vitalant takes walk-in donations, making an appointment to donate blood is recommended.

Check the website, www.vitalant. org, for operating hours or call ahead, 575-625-9743, to make an appoint -

ment. Those interested in sponsoring blood donation events can contact Seabrease at 575-840-8178.

Roswell Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra is in its 63rd season and Maestro John Farrer is celebrating his 50th anniversary as its director. Contributions help the orchestra maintain high-quality music and talented musicians, as well as allow the entire community access to performances, according to their website.

There are a variety of outreach programs for young people. The orchestra offers free tickets for children up to age 13 with a purchase of an adult ticket and $5 tickets for youth ages 14-18 and college students with student ID.

There are also two free Young Person’s Concerts for 1,000 fourth-graders in the region and two Shadow Experiences that allow selected high school students to be professional musicians for a day as they spend time with professional musicians who perform with the orchestra. Other programs include Send-a-Senior, which provides free tickets to community members older than age 65.

Program sponsorships and season tickets support the organization, but the orchestra also needs volunteers to serve as ushers at concerts and to help with office tasks.

Visit Roswellsymphony.org or email rso@dfn.com for details.

Reporter Terri Harber can be reached at 575-622-7710, ext. 308.

How to make a review as beneficial as possible for local businesses

Patronizing a business and thanking its staff on your way out can help business owners and their employees feel good about the work they’re doing.

Though such gestures will never go out of style, customers can do even more to help the small businesses in their communities.

Since the internet became such a vital part of life, online reviews have become increasingly important for small businesses. According to BrightLocal’s Local Consumer Review Survey 2022, 78 percent of consumers use the internet more than once a week to learn about local businesses. What’s more, the survey found that a whopping 99 percent of consumers have used the internet to find information about a local business in the last year.

The BrightLocal survey also found that positive reviews can be especially beneficial to local businesses. Consumers indicated that written reviews describing a posi -

tive experience and reviews with a high star rating were the most significant review factors to make them feel positively about a local business.

The value of positive reviews for local businesses in undeniable. Consumers who want to help the small businesses in their communities can consider these tips to ensure their reviews prove as beneficial as possible for local businesses.

• Go to the right place. A review is only helpful if it’s seen. The BrightLocal survey found that, in 2021, Google (81 percent), Yelp (53 percent) and Facebook (48 percent) were the three most utilized sites or apps to evaluate local businesses. The popularity of Google and Yelp in particular grew considerably between 2020 and 2021, suggesting that consumers can do the most good by leaving positive reviews on one or both of these sites.

• Recognize that recency matters. BrightLocal notes that the number of consumers willing to trust reviews left as long as year ago is on the rise. However, consumers who have already reviewed a company in the distant past should know that only 7 percent of consumers feel that recency of review does not affect their decision. Consumers who really to want to help a local business they’ve already reviewed can leave a new review if their previous one was posted more than a year ago.

• Leave a review even if the business already has plenty. The

value of recent reviews has already been noted, but it’s equally important to point out how valuable the volume of reviews can be. The BrightLocal survey found that 39 percent of consumers indicated a business having more reviews than another business they’re considering is one of a handful of deciding factors when they must choose which firm to patronize. So even if a business already has lots of positive reviews, one more positive review can still prove beneficial.

Consumers can tailor their online reviews so they’re as beneficial as possible for the local businesses that help their communities thrive.

Did you know?

Consumers who want to help the local businesses in their community succeed and attract more customers should know that the overall star rating a business has on online review sites such as Google and Yelp can go a long way toward compelling prospective customers to patronize a business. In their Local Consumer Review Survey 2022, the marketing experts at BrightLocal found that 85 percent of consumers indicated overall average star rating was an “important” or “very important” factor in determining whether or not they would patronize a business. That star rating can be especially valuable when consumers are trying to choose which business to support, as 76 percent of survey respondents indicated their decisions would be influenced if one business had a higher average star rating than another they were considering. Consumers can consider these findings as they decide which site to utilize when they decide to write a review.

The power of small businesses is immense. However, starting a small business is no easy venture. The financial resource Fortunly states that roughly 22 percent of small businesses will fail in their first year of operation. Thirty percent fail because they run out of cash. One of the ways a small business can do better is to utilize the support of other local businesses.

Business owners often conduct market research to identify who their competition is and to determine if there is room in the market for their products or services. It’s just as important for established business owners to keep up with the who’s who in the business community, as doing so can pave the way for collaborative efforts that benefit all local businesses. Here are some ways small business owners can support one another.

• Offer reassurance: Simply knowing they are not alone can help a small business owner survive. Owning a business can be stressful, and having another person acknowledge that it’s alright to feel overwhelmed at

times can be the spark owners need to press on.

• Share opportunities: A business owner who discovers a resource or an opportunity that worked for him or her, or even one that didn’t work but may for another, can pass on the information to another small business owner. It’s not about driving others down, but lifting them up.

• Cross-promotion: Business owners can show support by promoting other businesses in their communities. Make a bulletin board (either inperson or online) of other local business cards to recommend. This exhibits your community spirit and builds camaraderie. Use every opportunity to refer complementary businesses. For example, a local pet shop may recommend a pet groomer or veterinarian.

• Organize networking events: Whether it’s done through a local Chamber of Commerce or individual efforts, small business owners can spearhead events that get other business owners together to network and

consumer demand

Convenience might be the first word to come to mind if consumers are asked why they rely so heavily on big-box retailers. Such retailers can offer a variety of products their smaller counterparts may not be able to match, and subsequently deliver those products with a speed that the average mom-andpop operation cannot possibly keep up with. But the tide in regard to online buying is shifting, as surveys show a growing satisfaction with small business’ online offerings. A 2021 survey commissioned by the digital marketing platform Sendinblue found that 58 percent of consumers in the United States prefer the

online shopping experience with small businesses over their larger counterparts due to the former’s ability to provide a more personalized and customized online shopping experience. In addition, 53 percent of consumers surveyed indicated they preferred online shopping with small businesses because they felt they received superior customer service with

of consumers surveyed indicated they preferred online shopping

share ideas. These meetings can be informal to help others let off steam at the same time.

• Volunteer and donate: Small businesses can meet other business owners, but also become more involved in their communities through volunteer events. Partner with charities or other local businesses to promote philanthropic efforts. School supply giveaways, beach sweeps, community park refurbishments, or even supporting efforts to clean trash from Main Street are great ways to get involved.

Small business owners willing to

work together can collectively improve their communities, which should benefit everyone’s bottom line.

these firms when compared to larger online retailers.

Since they first became widely available in the early 20th century, cars have inspired no small number of passionate devotees. Some people simply can’t resist the thrills of the open road, while others love driving because of the sense of independence it provides. Regardless of what inspires their passions, come the holiday season, auto enthusiasts undoubtedly would be excited to unwrap these auto-related gifts.

• Car wash kit: It’s one thing to drive, and another thing entirely to drive a car that looks like it’s fresh off the dealership lot. Car wash kits come in various sizes, so they’re ideal for holiday shoppers working with various budgets. Kits may include wet wax, wheel gel, glass cleaner, a short handle brush, and microfiber towels, among other supplies. Each accessory within the kit can make cars or trucks shine and look as good as new.

• Mechanics’ tool kit: Many car lovers enjoy working on their vehicles almost as much as they love driving them. That makes a mechanic’s tool kit a must-have for auto enthusiasts. Like car wash kits, mechanics’ kits are ideal gifts because they can suit shoppers working with various budgets. Extensive kits include all the tools car lovers need, from ratchets to extension bars to sockets and more, to spend a fun day working in the garage.

• Tire inflator: All those miles on the open road is bound to catch up with tires over time, and a portable tire inflator can ensure tires

are always properly inflated. Cordless varieties are popular, but so are options that can be plugged into vehicle lighters. Either way, this is a must-have item for anyone who puts a lot of miles on their vehicle.

• Autocross lesson: Of course, gifts for auto lovers needn’t be restricted to helping them take care of their own cars. Autocross lessons can teach drivers the finer points of timed competitions while enabling them to get behind the wheel of an exotic car they’ve dreamed of driving. Autocross schools typically have classes for drivers with experience as well as novices, making this a fun gift for anyone who wants to take the thrill of driving to the next level.

There’s no shortage of gift ideas to please the auto enthusiast on your holiday shopping list this year. From the fun to the functional, there’s something for everyone who loves being behind the wheel.

Small businesses have adapted to meet one key

with small businesses