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. 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, 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. Spread the
Christmas cheer!
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