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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

Trip Burns

It’s a proven fact that shopping local boosts the economy in your community, and the holiday season keeps many small businesses thriving. This Christmas, why not put the gift of local in your loved ones’ stockings?

Amber Helsel is a freelance copy editor and former managing editor of the Jackson Free Press.