This upcoming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 11 to 12, is a sales tax free weekend in Massachusetts.  This is a great time to buy locally rather than trek up north and to support local businesses. 

More importantly, it should put us in a holiday mood, despite the dog days of August.  (Before I moved back east, there was a radio station that always played a holiday song before the 10 a.m. local news to keep the holiday spirit all year long; nothing like hearing Frosty the Snowman when the combined temperature and humidity exceeded 185.)

Part of the holiday spirit is to contribute to our favorite causes.  We should try to make a contribution this weekend, as the need for resources is constant.  Homelessness, hunger and the after effects of abuse are year round, not just in the holiday season.  I would encourage us to remember this and give part of any saved sales tax this weekend, if not more, to the cause of your choice.

Also, a modest proposal to our state representatives: determine a random day during the week in the period from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Friday before Christmas when there would be a sales tax free day.  Do it by a random drawing on Black Friday.  This would stimulate the economy, support local business, and keep the money in the Commonwealth.