Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply-produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse ......that, at
gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.
Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in foreign-produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your Local hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Locally-owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down
the Benjamins on a foreign-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
locals with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the local working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand cheesylights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets.
Christmas is now about caring,
encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about our neighbors, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we wouldn't imagine.
THIS is the new Christmas. Spread the Cheer!
* a Friend sent me a version of this recently and I wanted to pass it along
