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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 can be different. This year Americans should 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, 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 American Dollars 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.
Perhaps someone’s computer could use a tune-up. There must be some young person who is struggling to get their 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.
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.
This is another way of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?
And please remember to wish everyone a Merry Christmas instead of saying Happy Holidays!
---------------------------------------------------Again, I don't know who first wrote this ---- I do know I found it posted on a blog from 2008 among a lot of other places, so it isn't terribly new ----- but it does seem to ask for some thought, and maybe even some action?
2 comments:
Not sure I understand what's wrong with "Happy Holidays," though...those of us who don't identify as Christian but who still have holy-days of our own around this time do appreciate it!
Absolutely no disagreement there. As I said - I agree with the basic sentiment of the piece, with minor editing. I almost left out that last line when I "cut and pasted" this into my blog, but after some thought decided to leave it in. The basic premise of the piece is right on target, and I didn't want to mess with it. We too often dismiss each other over a couple of "minor" or "major" points without noticing that we basically agree.
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