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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Christmas giving: Let’s start a new tradition



Here’s an idea worth thinking about. Small steps, followed by a group
of people stepping up, can change the way we move forward. Take a moment to read
these great Christmas gift giving ideas and if they make sense to you, share the
concept with those who you think might appreciate a fresh idea on gift giving.
Happy holidays to all.

There are some great gift ideas here.

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
somehealth improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American
owneddetail 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 thinks nothing of plonking
downthe Benjamins 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 alocal 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
spintheir own wool and knit it 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 theater.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you really need to buy another 10,000
Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a $5 string of light, about 50 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 — 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?

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