Give, Shop, Dine & Play Local!

Holiday Season is here, so instead of profiling an East Ender, I’m sharing a few ways we can support our community during this festive season. Let’s make it a season of giving and supporting our community.

Give Local! Giving Tuesday is December 3rd, and our donations can make a big difference. Here are some ways to give back - find the cause that resonates most with you. 

• Help fight food insecurity: Bring a bag of apples or a box of eggs weekly to help stock the Community Fridge, or donate money to the Fridge or the Watertown Food Pantry

• Support Watertown kids: Donate to the Boys & Girls Club to give our kids the resources to grow and the courage to go after their dreams.

• Help Neighbors in Need: Give to the Watertown Community Foundation, which makes grants to non-profits working to improve the lives of the people who live and work here. 

• Support the Arts: Contribute to the Mosesian Center for the Arts to sustain vibrant cultural programming.

  
  

Shop, Eat & Plan Local! Support local businesses and invest in our community. Every purchase helps create jobs, sustains our infrastructure, and enriches our town socially and economically. Here are some ideas for thoughtful local gifts:

• Specialty Foods & Drinks: Visit Fastichi, Massis, Sevan, Arax, Roksanna, Danish Pastry House, or Magnolia Wine for unique treats.

• Wellness or Other Self Care Experiences: Gift yoga classes at Artemis, massage at Praan Thai massage, classes at Get Lively or Fly Together Fitness, a spray tan for the holidays at Glow, a professional makeup application by a local makeup artist, or a fresh hairstyle or mani pedi from your favorite local salon. Another kind of wellness is headspace - how about a gift certificate from The Organizing Diva? 

• Skill-Building Classes: Explore a home brewing class at Intelligentsia, cooking classes at Sofra, rock climbing lessons at Central Rock Gym, pottery lessons at Indigo Fire, music lessons at School of Rock or from a local teacher, flower arranging at Cass School of Foral Design, or art lessons for all ages and of all kinds at the Mosesian Center.

• Unique gifts made by local artists and artisans: Giving a handmade one-of-a-kind gift, specially selected for the recipient, is memorable. You can visit local studios, fairs and galleries now (and year round) to find special items.  

• Dining Out: Treat someone to a gift certificate from one of Watertown’s diverse restaurants—Persian, Thai, Spanish, Vegan, Italian, Chinese, Sushi, Greek, Mexican, Nepali, and more. 

• Entertainment: Gift tickets to the Armenian Museum of America, performances at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, an event at Mount Auburn Cemetery, or movies at the Majestic in Arsenal Yards.

• Things. Finally, choosing to shop locally—whether for new items or secondhand treasures from places like Sister Thrift or Revolve—is always better for our community than buying online. By shopping local, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re supporting local jobs, contributing to local tax revenue, and strengthening the fabric of our community. Every dollar spent here makes a difference!

  
  

Thanks for supporting our local economy and making this holiday season extra special for our community. Together, we can make a difference.