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 Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about
gift certificates from your local American 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, American 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 thinks
nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese 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 Americans 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 American 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.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local
crafts people 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?
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing
local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten
thousand Chinese lights 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.
Don't forget to donate to local animal rescues!
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American
pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post
it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants
and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local
paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
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 Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about
gift certificates from your local American 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, American 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 thinks
nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese 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 Americans 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 American 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.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local
crafts people 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?
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing
local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten
thousand Chinese lights 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.
Don't forget to donate to local animal rescues!
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American
pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post
it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants
and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local
paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
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