Four magazines arrived in my mailbox yesterday, tempting me to take a break from my deadline to dive into their pages. Why is it that magazines always seem to arrive when I am at my busiest? I placed the newest batch on the growing pile in my office with a sigh and returned to my computer. Soon, I’ll get to them, I tell myself. Soon.

Truthfully, I’m happy to subscribe to multiple magazines—even if I don’t read every single page of every issue. I subscribe because magazines represent one of my favorite ways of escape. Whether it’s travel, food, or wellness, I love to discover inspiring new realms. Hopefully, you share these same feelings when reading Tidewater Women!

The other reason I’m happy to subscribe to a variety of magazines is I like to support the publishing industry. If consumers don’t buy magazines, as well as the products and services they advertise, print magazines will cease to be. I don’t know about you, but reading on the computer screen just doesn’t do it for me. It feels too much like work.

Spending money, even on something as minor as magazine subscriptions, helps keep people employed and the economy humming along. On a local level, patronizing businesses in our region makes a huge difference as well. Besides creating jobs, buying local keeps money in the community, encourages entrepreneurship, builds a sense of community, creates more choice, and helps the environment. It’s a win-win. 

As the holiday season looms, think about ways you can support local businesses. And remember holiday gift-giving doesn’t always have to involve tangible things. Experiential gifts—like museum memberships, spa certificates, art classes—these are what help us grow as individuals and bring fulfillment.

You might even consider including a few magazine subscriptions on your gift list. Let’s keep print alive and well in the 21st century!