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? (Even
most Hallmark products are made in China.) Everyone -- yes EVERYONE
gets their hair cut. How about gift certificate 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 think nothing of plonking
down the Benjamines 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
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.
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.
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.
