By the time you read this, you’ll have awakened from that post-meal drowsiness and be making holiday shopping and event plans for the weekend.

Allow us to make a recommendation: Shop locally.

If there’s one enduring lesson of the Great Recession of the last decade, it is how important we are to each other. A community is like a ship at sea; in the stormiest economic times, we can count only on each other to get through it. We sail or sink together.

That’s why “shop local” is more than a mere seasonal-shopping slogan. It’s a fact that each dollar we spend helps pay local wages, put food on local tables and pay local rents and mortgages. It funnels through to the many nonprofits by the generous donations of local businesses. It generates sales tax revenue, which supports public services that benefit you.

Money we spend here stays here. Do your holiday shopping elsewhere, and your money stays elsewhere.

Shopping local makes sense in other ways. First, you know who you’re buying from — someone you may have known for years — and often you’ll purchase an item that is made locally.

Second, local items are unique. Locally produced art, books and clothing reflect the wealth of creativity in our community and enrich our lives. You’ll find local food products, as well as award-winning local brews and vintages, which help nourish and sustain us. If you’re looking for eco-friendly items, our community offers more than its share.

This area is a world-class destination, known for its natural beauty. Consider a donation in a family member’s name to a local landmark, museum or cause. Consider a gift certificate for an outdoor activity. Consider a gift certificate for dinner at a local restaurant or a night on the town.

And, of course, shopping locally includes all the cheer and lights and fun of the holiday events that accompany the season.

Skip the ferries, freeways and fill-ups. There is a lot to enjoy and share in shopping close to home.

We wish you all the best this holiday season.