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?"
________________________________________________
I don't know about you all, but I totally agree with the concept. This goes for birthdays and other occasions as well. People automatically think electronics when they think gifts these days. I know for me, I would love a gift certificate for a car detail for Simone (my car), a gift certificate for a Deluxe Mani/Pedi (shoooooot that would save me like $60!), and plenty more I could go all day naming. I can go without a flat screen if I already have a TV, but go without getting my nails, hair, or eyebrows done....I think not. Those things are up there with my utility bills. So to all out there trying to think of what to get me for Christmas...please bookmark this page please and thank you.
This year I gave a few gift cards for massages (thanks to Groupon) to a few friends and family members as gifts for things like baby showers and birthdays. Now I wasn't thinking "got to support my fellow Americans", but I did think what can I do that is out of the norm and would be appreciated as much as, maybe even more than a piece of electronics. I have a friend who loves reading, perhaps a gift certificate to a local book store would be nice? Now obviously if your boyfriend said a million times plus one that he wants that new Japanese made Plasma for Christmas, go ahead and get it, but perhaps supplement it with something else.
I remember back in college there was a program held that was an Expo for local entrepreneurs to get exposure showcasing their talents like fashion design. A lot of famous artists (painting or drawing), cooks, and designers started off with the support of their local community. This is semi-changing the topic, but how about supporting our black businesses? There are a lot of black owned restaurants, beauty supply stores, craft shops (for custom made jewelry and clothing) that would love the support.
So next time you are gift pondering, think outside of the box and see what you can come up with.
What's your opinion???
