After a year that has included drought, fires and a COVID-19 pandemic, local businesses are rallying for the Christmas and school holiday trade.

That's where we all come in.

Small businesses around the Cessnock area have come together to showcase their services and wares and urge locals to continue to support them.

We can make sure our local economy thrives and our small businesses survive by turning to our small businesses for our Christmas and everyday shopping needs, as well as our entertainment.

The good news is, as shown by this special feature in the Cessnock Advertiser, published as a wrap on November 25, there is a wide variety of goods and services on offer on our doorstep. We just have to make the most of them.

You can find the complete special feature online here.