This is a busy week, highlighted by Thanksgiving and Black Friday, but Saturday is also a chance to give back to our small businesses.

Once the turkey is devoured and the football games are over, many of us are going to endure the cold weather while shopping for deals on Black Friday. The lines are going to be crazy long, and while the prices will be low, all of us have to wonder at some point whether they are worth all of the craziness.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a big headache.

This upcoming Saturday is Small Business Saturday, which gives the local folks — those not tied to big box chains or large supermarkets — a chance to sale their items.

While we understand the excitement of Black Friday, it would be nice if we could pack our local stores in the same way Saturday as a sign of appreciation and thanks.

Small businesses make a big difference in our economy, something we all agree on. Yet, some of us will find ourselves in Montgomery or Birmingham Thursday night and Friday morning, looking for a great deal and spending most of our money in a different county.

We understand why. Some of the deals are too good to pass up, but we encourage everyone to save a little cash and shop our small businesses this upcoming Saturday.

Some of the deals may just surprise you, and if you give our local merchants a chance, they might be able to help you find a unique gift or two to help complete your Christmas shopping.

While you’re out looking for the big holiday presents to satisfy all of those on your list, we encourage you to think small.

Our local businesses are all too often forgotten about this time of year, but we should make sure that isn’t the case this holiday season.

After the turkey is gone, pace yourself this weekend. Don’t shop yourself out on Thursday and Friday, because Saturday is worth some time too.