There are obvious ways to support Kuwait during this month filled with festivities. The MOST obvious would be heading to the Gulf Road in your favorite Kuwait T-shirt and some spray—if you can get your hands on any! I don’t know anyone who has the patience to be stuck on the road for that long nowadays, but without fail, that street gets bumper-to-bumper traffic every year in celebration. The best part is actually seeing all of the crazy classic cars that seem to emerge.

Houses become covered in flags and lights while mothers dress their children in adorable black, white, red and green costumes (side note: these are not ALWAYS so adorable). Last year was truly unforgettable with the 20 years of liberation/50 years of independence decorations gracing the streets and the gorgeous (and ridiculously expensive) fireworks behind the Kuwait Towers.

Personally, I think we should embrace the less obvious and more significant ways to celebrate this special time. We should enjoy the month that holds our National and Liberation days by actually supporting our nationals, particularly the youth. The best way to do this is by encouraging small businesses by shopping at places created and established by Kuwaiti entrepreneurs.

I can’t even count the number of establishments and stores that are locally-owned and currently all over Kuwait. I recently saw special edition T-shirts that celebrate Kuwait on Taw9eel.com featuring graphic images of the skyline amongst other funky designs. Other well-known shopping websites by talented Kuwaitis include mypinkmoon.com, shopclosetcandy.com and venyooo.com. Shopping for clothes and other goodies isn’t the only thing we can do, there are SO many amazing restaurants to choose from, as well!

I can’t stop hearing good things about Solo Pizza Napolitana in Kuwait city, where even the waiters are Kuwaiti. I recently visited The Breakfast Club in Fintas, and there were also young Kuwaitis serving the tables. Seeing the youth really giving businesses their all, and not just paying someone else to run it really makes me happy. Other fabulous locally-owned restaurants and cafes include Breakfast & Brunch, Slider Station, Milk, and an endless list of specialized home-delivery places. Just a quick browse through the archives of popular blog ilsul6ana will give you an endless list of small businesses specializing in home deliveries.

Exhibitions are constantly held to showcase local designers of jewelry, furniture, and almost anything else you can think of! A trip to 52 Degrees in Tilal Complex will give you plenty of Kuwaiti designers and entrepreneurs all under one roof. It has clothing and other merchandise by local brands as well as restaurants like Choowy Goowy, Baked and Froobie for frozen yoghurt. Also in Tilal Complex, you will find the November Company: a locally-owned and operated event planning company that has now become synonymous with elegance and style.

So feel free to drape your house in all the flags you want (or one seriously colossal flag like some people do) and parade around with Kuwaiti merchandise all over your car. Just remember to support the people that make up the country, as well. Good luck to all of the entrepreneurs out there, and a very Happy National and Liberation day to our beloved Kuwait.