Last year at this time I was encouraging folks to shop locally for the holidays. Not wanting to be a hypocrite, I struck out to see just how much of my own shopping I could get done on Barracks Row and the greater Capitol Hill area. From wrapping paper and ribbons, to gifts of all kinds (even for my father-in-law!), to tasty edibles to share at holiday parties and dinners, I found most of what I was looking for.

This year, I’m pledging to spend at least 75 percent of my holiday dollars in the neighborhood. Will you join me? If you don’t think you can get 75 percent, try for 50 percent – but aim high! You may not be able to find the mass manufactured toys and whatnot that they sell at the shopping malls in the suburbs, but you will find a variety of unique and memorable gifts for family and friends.

Buying locally has all kinds of advantages. It saves you time and the hassle of sitting in traffic and wading through crowded malls. It saves you money on gas and other travel expenses. It’s better for the environment, since you won’t be stuck in the aforementioned traffic-spewing fumes. And it’s fun! As ever, Barracks Row is gearing up for some holiday activities of good cheer. Come by just about any time Dec. 8 for all sorts of fun.

The holiday shopping season will kick off as it has for the last several years with a visit from Santa Claus. This year Santa will set up his workshop at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Dec. 8 from 4-6 p.m. Kids can share their wish lists on Santa’s lap and get free photos and candy canes, while parents drink hot cider, listen to music and mingle with their neighbors.

But it doesn’t stop there – Santa will be busy this year! He’ll also be making an appearance at Pawticulars to take pictures with all the good dogs and cats in the neighborhood, and rumor has it he will be dropping by Alvear Studios at 7 p.m. to hear from the big kids (by which, of course, I mean adults).

Another tradition from years past is the annual holiday window display event. This friendly competition among businesses has a holiday toys theme this year which will brighten the street both day and night.

A special event for this year will be the lighting of a Christmas tree at the Eastern Market Metro Plaza in honor of George Didden, Chairman of the National Capital Bank and a longtime supporter of Barracks Row. Festivities should get started around 6 p.m. and will include caroling with local choirs. This is a joint event of Barracks Row Main Street and the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District.

If you aren’t able to join us Dec. 8, local Barracks Row businesses have other holiday specials that will keep you shopping happy.

Alvear Studio – 703 Eighth St. SE – 202-546-8434
Artwork, home goods, furniture and more

Attitude Exact – 739 Eighth St. SE – 202-546-7186
Art and framing

Backstage – 545 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-5744
Costumes, dance supplies and books

Capitol Hill Bikes – 709 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-4234
Bicycles and accessories

Capitol Hill Sporting Goods – 727 Eighth St. SE – 202-546-8078
Sporting goods and apparel

Capitol Hill Wireless – 425 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-9662
Cell phones and electronics

Frame of Mine – 522 Eighth St. SE – 202-543-3030
Art framing and sales

Groovy dc – 428 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-6633
Gifts, cards, wrapping paper and stocking stuffers

Homebody – 715 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-8445
Home goods, artwork, furniture and more

Innervision – 701 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-4664
Art and office supplies

Ipso Crafto – 733 Eighth St. SE – 202-546-4329
Crafts and art supplies – make your own gifts and wrapping paper

Ophelia’s Flowers – 501 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-3838
Flowers and cards

Stitch DC – 731 Eighth St. SE – 202-544-8900
Knitting supplies, books and home goods

You see? It’s easy to shop locally! (Not to mention getting a gift certificate at any of the service businesses on Barracks Row.) Are you ready to go for it? If so, drop me an e-mail and let me know what you plan to pledge. How much of your holiday shopping will be spent locally? 25 percent? 50 percent? 75 percent? We can swap success stories in January.

Happy shopping on Dec. 8 and every day!