Gallatin News
GALLATIN WEATHER

Give the gift of Gallatin




Give the gift of Gallatin

Give the gift of Gallatin

The season of giving has arrived and the Christmas spirit is certainly alive and well here in Gallatin, Tennessee! As Christmas nears, we find folks all around town scurrying to secure the perfect gifts for loved ones on their list, but what about that person who stumps you year after year? You know – the one who already has it all. Or, perhaps you’re short on time, or maybe you just despise the act of shopping all together. As usual, your local Chamber is here to help. We’ve compiled a simple list that will help you check off your list and solve some of the struggles that can come with gift-giving.

  1. 1.     Give a Memory

Most folks on your list put up a tree, or at least have somewhere to hang an item in their home. Our Gallatin Christmas ornaments are the perfect gift for those who have called Gallatin home for a few months or many years. Perhaps you had visitors this year? Family who moved away? Help them remember the Nicest Place in America with our 2018 Gallatin Christmas ornament. This year’s ornament is the 8th in the series and features Gallatin as “a town of Southern charm, a town of giving and charity, a town of faith, prayer and an earnest desire to do better” – the description used when voted the Reader’s Digest “Nicest Place in America” for 2017. While many of the ornaments of years past have sold out, all have featured a significant Gallatin memory, whether it is a place or an event including Historic Downtown Gallatin, The Sumner Drive-In, Cumberland River Bridge, Randy’s Record Shop, The Palace, Gallatin City Hall/Fire Hall, and the Gallatin Eclipse Encounter. The Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce collectible ornaments are produced by Beacon Design (ChemArt), the same company that has created the White House Historical Association ornaments for over four decades and are collected by people all over the world. Ornaments can be purchased at the Chamber office, both Perkins locations, and Black Tie Floral and Events for $22.

If an ornament isn’t the perfect gift, perhaps another Gallatin item will work. In addition to commemorative Christmas ornaments, we have a variety of shirts in all sizes. Our newest to the collection is our Gallatin Tennessee Christmas baseball tee – perfect apparel for shopping trips and other holiday outings. We also have six unique Gallatin designs that feature fun text including “37066”, “Grit, Grace, Nicest Place”, and “Be Nice, It’s the Gallatin Way.” If you need a stocking stuffer, we have Gallatin stickers that are perfect for a back window, cooler, or laptop. Postcards also make for a fun addition to any gift. These items are all limited edition and available at the chamber office.

  1. 2.     Give Local

Buy now, enjoy later. That’s what most gifts offer but especially…gift cards. With a gift card, you don’t have to really know anything but where the recipient likes to go. The choices in Gallatin these days are plentiful. Giving a gift card provides a little shopping relief for the giver and freedom to choose or try something new for the receiver. One of my favorites is gifting gift cards to dining establishments that I know the recipient has yet to try. I know they’ll enjoy a yummy meal and as a bonus, a local establishment gets supported. Hopefully the recipient will turn into a repeat customer; sometimes it’s just about getting them in the door that initial time. 

Giving the gift of experience is part of the fun, too. We all could probably stand to have a few less things, but what about experiences? Those are what life is really about! Again, there are no shortages of experiences to be had in the 37066. Kids on the list? How about a planned outing to one of our local movie theaters? History lover? Consider season passes to the Sumner County Museum or other local historic sites. Active family? How about an annual pass to the Gallatin Civic Center and/or Tommy Garrott Aquatic Center. If the place you’re looking to build an adventure around doesn’t offer a gift card, make your own and then have your loved one contact you to “cash it in”. Need ideas? Call the Chamber!

  1. 3.     Give Back

As the saying goes “it’s better to give than to receive”. Where better a place to give that in your own community? The Gallatin area is packed full of service-focused and non-profit organizations that help our community daily. For many of them, the winter months are busier. They can always use help, whether it is in the form of time, treasure, or talent. Have time to give? Serve this season. Call on our local organizations and see how you can jump in to help. Have money to give? Consider making a charitable contribution in someone’s honor to a local organization. Instead of wrapping up a gift, slip a note in their Christmas card to let them know that you contributed to a special cause as their gift this year. Have special skills? Maybe you have a special talent you can share this season. If you love animals, consider spending a few hours with a local animal organization. Or maybe, you’re like me and love kids. One of my December calendar staples is shopping with the Gallatin Noon Rotary Club at the Christmas for Kids event. (Not many things get me out of bed before 5 a.m. on a Saturday, but Christmas, kids, and shopping will.) If you need help with your hunt, our website is a great resource to find local non-profits.

No matter how you choose to give this season, I hope you consider giving the gift of Gallatin. Give memories of Gallatin; give experiences in Gallatin; give back time and love to Gallatin. If you need suggestions for where to shop or serve, remember that you’re local Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce is here for you this holiday season and all year long. Visit us online gallatintn.org or in person at 118 West Main Street. We’re always happy to hear from you by phone as well at (615) 452-4000. Happy Giving.

Kim Baker is the CEO of the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce.  

Leave a Reply