Christmas 2011 --- Birth of a New Tradition

[Jo McDonald]

I just received this in an email --- makes perfect sense to me, so I thought I would share it here on the forum.
Jo





               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 plonking down the Benjamin's 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 potter 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 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?

[sixdogsmom]

I like this! Thanks! 

[Ms Bear]

Wonderful idea.  There are a lot of things that one can find made locally that everyone on the Christmas list would like.  Who wouldn't like an all American Christmas.

Book make wonderful gifts. 

[farmgal67357]

What awesome ideas! Thanks Jo!
Lisa

[Ross]

Very, very good.

[Diane Amberg]

Some of us, for many years, have shopped at local craft shows that pop up in churches and senior centers every fall, and Newark Community day too.  Home made "Coupons" for babysitting, car washes, window cleaning ,oven cleaning or tickets to a movie, show or locally owned eatery, or a special family photo by a local professional photographer benefits everyone.
That might not work for a special gift that a child is pining for, but local or family made sweaters and scarves, hand made Christmas ornaments or food items ( fudge!) really is Christmas as far as I'm concerned. Several of you have added some really good ones.