I am someone who used to cringe at the sound of Christmas songs any time before Thanksgiving. I like believing that the holidays are about family, special foods, long-held traditions and good cheer. That’s how I remember Christmas from when I was small (that, and getting to look through the Sears catalog for present ideas).

Lately, however, I surprise myself by seeing the holidays from more angles.

While I lament the commercialization of the holidays, I have also come to see this time of the year from the viewpoint of many small business owners. I really appreciate the chance to “buy local” throughout the year at the interesting small businesses in our area. Yet, before I worked in a job that allowed for candid conversations with business owners, I didn’t realize that a huge percentage of their business must happen during the holidays. In other words, for some, if they don’t make 20-40 percent of their sales for the year during the holiday season, they won’t be able to stay in business the rest of the year.

How this translates in my household is that when we think about gifts for family and friends, we ask ourselves first, “Can we find that locally? Is there someone around here who makes that or supplies that?”

On Christmas morning, it’s fun to tell our parents or the children in our lives about who made that hand-made sign or those special earrings. Black Friday savings might be tempting to my personal checkbook, but they are not necessarily keeping money in the local economy. Those savings to me might mean my neighbors who are trying to run businesses are no longer able to do that, and I have never liked seeing small businesses close.

In Biddeford, I have noticed a lot of individuals, religious and service organizations and business owners make sure no one is left behind during the holidays. They want everyone to get to feel some of the cheer that comes from a special meal and a gift to open. Joyful Harvest takes the spirit of giving to another level.

Joyful Harvest’s annual Kid’s Shopping & Pancake Event on Dec. 14 draws 400 kids, who get to experience the gift of giving by choosing presents for the adults in their lives. Despite the disheartening news that Joyful Harvest will have to close its doors at the end of December, they will continue this event this year and in the years to come.

Heart of Biddeford and Downtown Dollar are partnering with Joyful Harvest to enable the community to help stock Joyful Harvest’s event with small gifts. By purchasing at $10 gift card from Downtown Dollar, you will be able to supply gifts for the Kid’s Shopping & Pancake event, as well as provide the snacks and paper supplies needed through December at Joyful Harvest. If you would like to purchase one of these gift cards, or a pack of them, please contact Joyful Harvest, Downtown Dollar or Heart of Biddeford.

When the community comes together for the Downtown Holiday Festival in City Square on Friday night, Dec. 6, it’s always amazing to see the sparkle in the children’s eyes. They know what miracles and mysteries and joy are all about, and they help us adults remember, too. I hope this time of the year is a reminder of those things you hold most dear in your life, and I appreciate being part of a community that works together and shares their gifts.

Delilah Poupore is the director of Heart of Biddeford. Her column appears monthly.