The last of the turkey soup has been frozen and the pumpkin pie is just a fond memory. Thanksgiving is long gone and that means it is time to get down to some serious Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, serious Christmas shopping sometimes means a lot of driving, often in wet, wild weather because, as most people know, ‘serious shopping’ means going to Riverbank at the very least. Or does it?

This coming Saturday, grab that shopping list and head to downtown Oakdale.

There is plenty of parking, both on the street and in public lots. One such lot on Third Avenue is convenient because a first stop has to be Moss Rose Bakery. Enter the bakery, pause and take a deep breath. The rich smell of baked goodies will let you know you are on the right track for a good day.

Once fueled up, you can check out a number of antique shops, on Third near the bakery. You can spend the afternoon wandering back in time but if antiques don’t fit everyone on your list, head across the street to Alexandra’s.

It’s a Christmas kaleidoscope. You are surrounded by trees festooned with ornaments, ribbons and lights. Everything sparkles and shines. And there are unique gifts for all. A gourmet cookbook for your child living in their first apartment, a ceramic pig for a relative that used to raise hogs. Maybe even a specialty candy for that impossible-to-buy-for co-worker.

After Alexandra’s a few steps away, across F Street, you will find I Love Paris tucked in between the bank and the coffee shop. It’s another world of holiday cheer, Father Christmas figurines, ceramic bowls, lamps, angels and wreaths, perfume and jewelry. There won’t be many names left on the Christmas list after a stop here.

Lunch beckons and you can find local choices in abundance, from The Cottonwood Café to Café Bliss, fresh, hot, hearty menu selections.

Back to shopping, step off Yosemite onto south Sierra and check out London Fox. The wreath and cheerful snowman out front beckon you inside to see what other treasures await. From T-shirts with lovely designs to belts, scarves and blinged out jewelry, there are decorative gifts galore and a different purse for any lady on your list. It’s also the perfect place for some stocking stuffers.

So how does the Christmas list look now? Check it off. Serious holiday shopping doesn’t have to mean serious driving: Oakdale has Christmas covered.