We are reaching the holiday shopping season, and local officials are reminding people about the importance of shopping at home.  The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Lisa Farquharson says she hopes people will think local before shopping online or heading to large metropolitan areas.  Farquharson adds she is seeing more businesses with extended hours for the holidays, and new stores offering more variety of selection.  She also says some of the smaller businesses in the area will be at holiday bazaars taking place around the region.