Monday, November 07, 2011

A New American Christmas Tradition

Perhaps you have seen this already.  I have no idea who wrote it, but they are clearly not going to come after me for reposting it since they urged people to get the message out. Someone sent it to me today in an email, and I think it bears repeating.





Something to think about... As Americans, we need to support our own economy, and not be held  hostage by cheap, foreign-made products that are crippling the jobs of workers in the United States.
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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.  Oh... Yes there is!

It is 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 Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV?  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 gazillion 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 (We the People), 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 could not 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 Craig's List 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?

12 comments:

  1. Good ideas, Susan! I'm not so concerned about "buying American" since in this global economy even imported gifts support jobs here one way or another. But I do like the idea of getting creative about gift giving. This will help me make my own list, which my wife just asked me for this morning!

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  2. Great advice Sue. Thanks!!!

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  3. Debra Eckerling5:34 PM

    Thanks for the call to support local businesses. I'll take a coffee and muffin from the independent deli across the street over a chain any day - definitely the right type of place to support when taking a break from shopping local!!

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  4. Great ideas Susan!

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  5. I agree with Mitch. I'm not too concerned about buying American vs whatever but I do like the idea of supporting independent businesses and getting creative with gift giving.

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  6. This will help lessen the 'Carbon Footprints'

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  7. Great tips! The haircut and gym membership ideas were great - had never really thought of that.

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  8. Every female over twelve on my list will get a free mani/pedi... the guys get pizza gift cards. Now I just have to figure out what to do for the kids.

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  9. Love the ideas Susan...Something that many of us don't stop and think about..thanks

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  10. I love the creativeness! I was thinking we'd make leaf bookmarks this year! A few years ago I read that some bloggers were challenging us to create all gifts...or at least buy on etsy.com. I love that site! Everything is homemade!

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  11. Nice post!! I like your blog!!

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