Merry Merchant Marketplace, hosted by the Placerville Downtown Association, makes it easy to dote on your loved ones while still adhering to a buy local philosophy. Pick up a “Wish List Postcard” from any participating Main Street business and let your daughter, brother, spouse or friend fill out the details on what they want from downtown. Taking place through December 24, the program also incorporates the promotion of local farms; when shoppers bring a receipt from an El Dorado County Christmas tree grower, they can count on holiday offers or discounts from local merchants whose windows sport a Christmas tree sign. “So many families like to create fond memories during the holidays by driving out to a tree farm and picking out their Christmas tree, then stopping at a local restaurant before coming to Main Street for shopping,” says Lisa Crummett, marketing director for the Association. Every dollar spent in festively decorated downtown Placerville has the potential to do more than just spread cheer, as sales taxes fund infrastructure and services. According to Crummett, “Locally owned businesses reinvest in the local economy at a rate three times higher than giant chain stores or Internet retailers.” For more information, visit placerville-downtown.org/events.html.