Along with being the season for heavy coats, warm drinks and heated seats, it’s also the season for lists.

Lists of places to go and people to visit for the holiday season, lists of groceries to buy for all those large family gatherings and probably the most important list of all—the Christmas gift list.

Originally when I set out to make my Christmas list this year for friends and family, my shopping destinations included Birmingham, Montgomery and a handful of online stores. I assumed there was no way I would be able to find all of the gifts on my Christmas list in Selma.

However, as I began to leisurely browse local shops and artisans’ fairs, a little Christmas magic started to happen. I slowly began to cross off my Christmas list and find those perfect presents I knew my loved ones would appreciate and enjoy.

It started when I attended the Sturdivant Hall Artisans Fair and found a unique item I knew I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.

I met Bob Moore of Cahawba Crafts who gathers old barbwire and bends the material into a beautiful cross. This old wire placed on worn wood creates a stunning décor piece that I’m pretty sure can’t be found in a Pottery Barn catalogue. I was instantly sold.

While purchasing this gift, I also received an interesting story behind the piece — a story I can tell while giving this unique present.

After crossing off two gifts on my Christmas list at the artisan fair, I wondered what else Selma had in store that I’ve overlooked.

I started my Christmas list hunt downtown at Carters Drugs, wondering what I would find. Within a few minutes, I found the perfect gift for a close friend. Also while purchasing this gift, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Carter’s also offers to wrap all presents — an added bonus.

Another downtown shop I’ve found has plenty of Christmas gift options is Allez-Oup, a clothing and jewelry boutique located above Carters Drugs. There, I found the perfect necklace to give someone on my Christmas lift, and for a reasonable price, too.

As my Christmas list began to get slimmer, I couldn’t help but commend the many people that contribute their time and talents in Selma to provide us with a great selection of holiday presents.

Sure, you can always drive 45 minutes to Birmingham, spend a handful of money on gas and come back to Selma with a sack full of Christmas gifts that everyone else in the state has.

Instead of taking that time consuming and costly option, I encourage everyone to take a walk down Broad Street or visit one of the many Christmas fairs and see what your neighbors have been up to. You might be surprised by how quickly your Christmas list shrinks.