Shop local for the holidays!

Unless you are one of the unbearably smug creatures who has completed all of their holiday shopping, these days are becoming more and more of a panicked countdown to the inevitable day where you must present your gifts to friends and family.

There could be a stressful trip to the mall in your future, overpaid fees for overnight shipping, or even (clutches at pearls) a grocery store-bought gift card.

Well, folks, I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend another way. Yes, I am a smidge biased, being a downtown Macon resident and worker, but shopping in downtown Macon is one of my favorite activities this time of year.

Take advantage of one of the central parking decks, or the free Urban Development Authority parking lot at 674 Poplar St. The latter is conveniently located just across the street from a string of great Christmas shopping stops, like Just Tap’d (many a happy relative would love a growler of limited-edition holiday beer), Macon Arts Alliance (hand-blown Christmas decorations are an easy gift for anyone on your list), Wear (give designer clothes a second home while spending for a good cause), and the 567 Center for Renewal (support local artists and give a unique gift).

Once you’re done with that street, treat yourself to one of the 12 Beers of Christmas that Just Tap’d has to offer. (Drink all 12 during the month of December and get a free T-shirt.)

Hop down Cotton Avenue and make some stops at Le Face for skin care products; the Golden Bough for books (including a great children’s collection); the Otis Redding Foundation for vinyl, clothing, CDs and more pertaining to the King of Soul; LDW Haberdashery for the most stylish socks and ties your dad will ever find in his stocking; and Amanda’s Cakery for another pat-yourself-on-the-back treat — or goodie for your next holiday party.

Walk across the road to Second Street, passing the Christmas Countdown lights, and you’ll find Rosser Riddle’s pop-up shop (here until Dec. 23) with soulful sweatshirts and T-shirts commemorating music legends from Isaac Hayes to Otis Redding, and cities like our own Macon, Georgia.

Right next door is the newly-opened Fresh Produce Records, with a fine selection of vinyl. Between the two of them, they will have your audiophile friend covered.

Strut down Cherry Street and make a stop at Travis Jean, where Scott Mitchell’s warm personality will find you the perfect Macon- or Georgia-made gift, whether it’s something sweet or savory, or handmade and timeless. He’s also a whiz at wrapping — making our lives a lot easier!

Once you knock out all your shopping, celebrate Christmas on First Street this Saturday. There will be pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, caroling, sleigh rides, and a free screening of “Elf” in the evening. More information is available at mainstreetmaconga.com.

This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 7:05 AM with the headline "Shop local for the holidays!."