They call the day after Thanksgiving Black Friday because that's the one day of the year that makes or break a lot of businesses.

Stores offer megadeals to get people to stand in the sleet and rain all night long so just as those magic doors open at 4 a.m. people can flood in like cattle and trample doormen to death.

Sound like a nice way to start Christmas to you?

If not, try shopping in Estherville this Christmas.

Unlike some of those megastores making megadeals, Estherville businesses offer you good values all throughout the year. Plus, instead of having to fight through thousands of other shoppers to "get it while it lasts", you can shop leisurely at your own pace for the items you really want.

Estherville offers a great gift selection, even for a town our size. You can find everything from jewelry to electronics, appliances to tools, all at quality merchants where people won't laugh or sneer at you when you bring back an item for exchange or because it fell apart before you got it out of the package.

And just think of how much you'll save by not driving all those miles to shop. The difference will easily make up for any "deals" you may or may not find somewhere else.

If you want take to "take five" you can catch a great meal of the many fine dining establishments in Estherville.

And don't forget the free holiday merchant matinee movies in Estherville. Free tickets are available at participating merchants.

The movies start this Friday and Saturday with showings at noon and 2:30 p.m. and continue Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 5-20.

And don't forget that the money you spend here stays here. Local businesses reinvest in community projects like Excel! Estherville and chamber events throughout the year like Chuckwagon Day and Sweet Corn Days. Local businesses also hire local employees. And sales tax you pay here goes for worthwhile projects in our local schools and community.

So do yourself and your community a favor. Shop Estherville first this holiday season.