Go to the grocery store and find a shelf bare? Order online locally or not and find that something is out of stock? In the pandemic, the season of giving and celebrating is also the season of patience and perseverance, perhaps to new heights.

Not that 2020 will happen again, since we have learned to live, work, learn, socialize, report, create, govern, vote and shop in a pandemic for a year and a half, but if Thanksgiving travels and all that maskless feasting and indoor gathering add to COVID cases, including breakthrough ones, you might be glad you shopped ahead if possible.

Early Bird sales are on the way. Get a peek at wiscassetnewspaper.com and boothbayregister.com for some of what to expect this year. Shopping then or even earlier helps get the local economy off to a merry start of the season and up the chances you get what you want for whoever you want, on time. And a gift or card in hand can be mailed early, too, which is also wise these days.

You’ll also beat some of the messy driving weather November and December deliver. So save gas, time in line and, at the Early Birds, money; and just as getting vaccinated makes you part of the solution, shopping in town makes you part of the solution also, for the local economy.

Week’s positive parting thought: If, despite your best efforts, your dream gift for a loved one ends up being an IOU note in a box and wrapped, because it was not to be had, they will understand, look forward to it and love you just as much.