Last-minute shoppers, don’t worry. You are far from alone — and you’re situated in a good place.

A Reuters Ipsos poll conducted Dec. 14-18 found that 17 percent of those polled had not started shopping for Christmas gifts yet, and a third had not finished. About half said they had been too busy to shop. Others were waiting for last-minute sales.

Whatever the reason, Rowan County shoppers have good options close to home when it comes to taking care of gifts. Even if some of the people on your list provide wish lists with links for purchasing gifts online, some nice gifts purchased right here in Salisbury could be a pleasant surprise.

Shopping local benefits the community in so many ways. If you patronize locally owned businesses, you’re helping area entrepreneurs succeed — and we have quite a few of them. Nearly every downtown has some unique shops. As one writer once put it:

“The small action of buying local goods and services strengthens hometowns in ways that big box stores and corporate businesses can’t: more local jobs and charity and, in general, cooler stuff. Helping to sustain a regional economy is one of those everyday noble acts we do to keep society going, like voting, hand washing and stopping at crosswalks.” (Valley Advocate)

Even if you’re a chain-store shopper, spending your money here supports local jobs and boosts sales tax revenue, a big source of funding for schools and other functions.

Wherever you shop, try not to get stressed out about gifts. Remember the Reason for the season, and make the most of time with family and friends. Life is precious. Don’t waste a moment of it.