Those who aren’t yet in the holiday spirit would do well to visit this weekend’s Holiday Open House in Downtown Franklin.

Besides festively kicking off the season, the open house is a nice reminder of the importance of shopping at home and supporting our local businesses, which are integral to the success of our community.

The new Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce slogan was unveiled Thursday — “Put your money where your home is.” We should all take that to heart, especially considering the economy.

Downtown merchants are doing their part to boost the local economy with sales and specials from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and throughout the season. The weather looks like it will cooperate, too, with dry skies and temperatures in the 50s.

While the holidays are the perfect reason to visit our locally owned and operated businesses, we also shouldn’t forget them the rest of the year. True, there may be some more conveniences in Chesapeake or Norfolk, but do those merchants give you the same personal service you have come to expect here? Do they know your name? Will they take the time to ask about your family or help you with a special order?

Local retailers contribute to our community in so many ways — taxes, charitable contributions and fundraisers, job creation and more. Money spent at these merchants go right back into the community.

Businesses contribute tax dollars that pay for needed services here, including fire and police. They also are leaders in our churches, civic organizations and government.

The more they prosper, the more our community prospers. Let’s support them by shopping at home this Christmas and all year long.