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 Benjimans 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, folk,s 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 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 should
be 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?
