Despite what the internet is telling you, it’s possible to avoid the expensive and often soul-sucking experience of online shopping and behemoth retail. Buying (or sharing) a favorite book, making tribute donations to a selected nonprofit, keeping it local and shopping sustainably are all viable alternatives. We discuss ways to avoid the Black Friday blues.

Guests:

• Suzanne Pickett, artist and CEO of Historic Eastside Community Development Corp.
• Rona Brinlee, owner of The BookMark in Neptune Beach
• Virginia Chamlee, author of Big Thrift Energy: The Art and Thrill of Finding Vintage Treasures-Plus Tips for Making Old Feel New
• Erica La Spada, director of volunteer and community engagement, United Way of Northeast Florida

The National Retail Federation projects an increase in holiday spending this year, despite economic uncertainty. It predicts U.S. consumers will spend over $1 trillion in November and December. We talk to a financial expert with surefire ways to keep your budget intact, from strategic saving to avoiding your worst impulses to "buy now, save later" plans.

Guest: Victoria Jones, member success manager, RadiFi Credit Union. 

Finally, Carole Coplan is an author whose bi-coastal life is reflected in her new book for children,Orangey and Ricky: Country Cat, City Cat. The story centers on an unlikely yet transformative friendship. Copan, a former corporate attorney turned author and vineyard owner, discusses how her new book mirrors her own experience.

Guest: Carole Coplan, author of Orangey and Ricky: Country Cat, City Cat.

Rona Brinlee's Holiday Book List:

• Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf, by Greg Wolfe
• The Christmas Sweater, by Jan Brett
• Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm, by Charlie Mackesy
• The Indisputable Existence of Santa Claus: The Mathematics of Christmas, by Dr. Hannah Fry and Dr. Thomas Oleron Evans
• Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham
• What We Can Know, by Ian McEwan
• The American Revolution: An Intimate History, by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns.
• The Land of Sweet Forever, by Harper Lee
• The Widow, by John Grisham
• The Secret of Secrets, by Dan Brown
• The Great Mann, by Kyra Davis Lurie
• Slow Horses, by Mick Herron