New Christmas tradition

[Rick Long]

Finally an e-mail full of wonderful ideas and suggestions. This one is just in time for Christmas and full of great ideas. I just revamped my shopping list, sure has solved a lot of problems. Hope you find some too.

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 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.

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?

[hondo122]

Some great ideas, all we have to do to help our fellow Americans is follow through!

[bsirby]

Fantastic ideas! I'd like to add one. My kids are getting their Grandmother (80) either a gift certificate for pedicure/manicure or a massage. She will love it.

[PNWGirl]

Wow, very good post!!!
Sheila

[Dixieray53]

Thank you Rick... As a small retail business owner, I see every year people unable to break their, gift in a box mentality.... It takes effort to buy a real, needed, meaningful, thoughtful gift for a loved one, so people buy another cheaply, foreign made thing at WM 'cause it's easy.. There is a movement in the US to shop small business on Saturday after Thanksgiving... The link is below.. Again Thanks ... D

https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusine...S-GoogleSearch

[Longrun]

Absolutely agree with every word but you failed to get the true point of what Christmas is...... it's not about giving gifts to each other. It's about the Birth of Christ and the gift he gave to all of us..... just sayin'

[okgc]

Great Ideas .
I forwarded on via email

[ronspradley]

Great post. I have been making Christmas presents for years instead of buying. My hobby is woodworking so I am able to make a present and also maintain my sanity in this hectic world. This year I am making the two part patio chair from plans on SKILZONE.COM...... Don't tell anyone. It is a secret.............ronspradley

[sdennislee]

Great post. I always try to buy American made. Usually costs a few bucks more but well worth it to support our economy.

[Ed-Sommers]

Not a bad idea, but is based entirely on emotion. Would not hold up under basic economic scrutiny. I do endorse small business fabrication but if it involves unions like the afl/cio, forget it, they are the latest mob.

Ed

[puttin]

Thanks Rick...all great suggestion! Happy Holidays!