Holiday shopping season is in full swing, but for many small business owners, this always crucial time of year has become even more vital to their livelihoods as we continue down the dark road of the worst surge of the COVID-19 pandemic yet.

While there seems to be faint light at the end of this tunnel, we are now in the midst of the so-called “pause” here in Rhode Island – which falls somewhere on the spectrum between a full lockdown and things being totally normal, though it feels much closer to the former than the latter with field hospitals opening up and emergency alerts going out to cell phones warning that hospitals are at capacity.

The pause may mean more inconveniences for regular residents who have once again been denied access to their favorite bar or gym, but for small business owners who run that bar or operate that gym – or the many more who operate small shops selling wares people want for the holidays – the pause means much more than a simple inconvenience. Some will not make it through the winter with their doors open.

It has become thankfully common for the public to embrace small business shopping within their communities. Warwick just played host to a large Small Business Saturday event at the Crowne Plaza – a lovely, safe way to bolster our neighbors in need of support during this critical time. But we must continue that momentum throughout the remainder of the season, not gravitate back to the big box stores and online retail giants.

There is no simple panacea, but there are still things each of us can do to help support our small business owners through these tough times.

Although you may be hesitant about going to a favorite local restaurant in person – or even unable to secure a seat, as the limited capacity set forth by regulations will surely impact availability of reservations – inquire about buying a gift certificate to enjoy a meal at a later date, or continue to order take-out and delivery of food.

There is an excellent resource containing a large database of local Rhode Island businesses specializing in everything from handmade crafts, to pharmaceuticals, food and online fitness classes – including links to purchase gift cards and special online deals. Visit the page at ShopLocalRhodeIsland.com. It has been assembled by RISmallBusiness.org, with the intent of helping spread awareness and accessibility of small businesses.

Online shopping will undoubtedly be utilized in record numbers this holiday season, but don’t immediately assume that your local mom and pop doesn’t have the ability to sell their merchandise online. Always do a quick online search to find the shop’s website and see if they provide online sales. The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce has a long list of local businesses with links to all their websites, as well. There is more to online shopping than just Amazon.

Lastly, don’t give up on foot traffic entirely. While regulations are strict during the pause, local businesses are still open for business and would be more than happy to help you find anything you may be searching for. Make sure to always wear a mask and practice distancing, and exercise good hand washing or disinfecting once leaving any establishment.

These are not new or overly complicated steps to take. These are things we should be doing outside of a global health crisis anyways, since local businesses are run by our neighbors – the ones who are investing in our communities and helping provide us with an enriched quality of life in our neighborhoods.

While Congress should be figuring out ways to help support our businesses financially through additional stimulus measures, we all have a role to play as well. Shop small, shop local and shop often.