Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition - Pass it on.
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 think nothing of plunking down
the Benjamin's 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.
Just
for fun, Please 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
