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 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.
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?