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 buck$ 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
lights, 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.And even if none of the
above fit you personally, perhaps you have your own idea of what
would work the same.
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.
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