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This is a difficult time for businesses, especially small businesses, as shoppers cut back because of rising prices and forecasts of recession.
However, if you are planning to take advantage of sales over the coming week and on Friday 25 November, could you choose local traders rather than the internet giants?
Choosing local independent businesses keeps money circulating within the local economy and jobs in our communities, while being better for the environment as it cuts transport emissions.
Small Business Saturday takes place on Saturday 3 December to encourage everyone to celebrate and support small businesses.
Many host events or discounts on the day so take a trip to your local town centre or look online for details of any offers.
The Made in North Somerset website also has an array of independent businesses to buy from.
If you run a local business you can add yourself to the business finder map so customers can find you easily.
Have a more sustainable Christmas
Last Christmas more than 500 tonnes of additional recycling was collected in North Somerset over the festive period – about the same weight as three blue whales.
It was almost a 50 per cent increase on a normal month.
Could you reduce this waste by buying eco-friendly alternatives, such as handmade gifts or experiences?
Festive ideas include…
C – crackers: choose reusable, recyclable or plastic-free options.
H - home decorations: natural decorations such as mistletoe and wreaths can be composted.
R – reuse: reuse what you can, such as napkins, gift wrap and decorations.
I - iPhones and small electrical items: electronic items with a plug or battery the size of a toaster can be recycled from home. Put in a bag on top of your recycling box.
S - sweet wrappers: plastic sweet and chocolate wrappers are not recyclable at home so avoid buying them if possible. Squash aluminium foil together to the size of a tennis ball before recycling.
T – turkey: find recipe ideas for leftover meat and trimmings on the Love Food Hate Waste website.
M – make: make your own cards and gifts, send e-cards or support a charity.
A - advent calendar: reusable ones can be kept for future years. With single-use advent calendars, remove the inner plastic tray and recycle separately from the outer cardboard.
S – socks: donate good quality unwanted items to charity or bag reusable textiles and place out on top of your recycling boxes for collection.
Remember, no wrapping paper can be recycled in North Somerset this year, so please avoid using it in the first place.
Wrapping paper is difficult to recycle because there are so many varieties and most are mixed with unrecyclable items such as foil, glitter, ribbon, and tape.
The whole load will be rejected by the paper mill and sent general waste if too much incorrect material is included, resulting in high costs and transport emissions.
Instead, wrapping will have to go in your black bin, where it is taken to the Energy From Waste plant in Avonmouth.
Follow the recycling team on Facebook or Twitter for more updates and festive tips.