Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Great Idea

New Tradition

I didn't author this, but I think it should be spread far and wide! Read and see if you agree.

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 bar

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 theater.

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?

7 comments:

Roan said...

I got this email and included it in a letter to the editor of our small town newspaper. We are a dying town of 1200 people. When I was a kid we could buy anything we needed here, now we have to travel 25 miles to Walmart. There are barber/beauty shops, car repair places, a grocery store (who couldn't use a gift certificate from there). Our choices are few, but if we don't support what business we have left, it will only get worse. Great post!

Arkansas Patti said...

Absolutely wonderful post. I like Roan's idea and may see if my small town paper will carry it.
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

This is a great post, Patty, and it is better to leave as much money in town as we can. At the same time we need to tell people we buy from here in town that the bread needs to be more like the bread at Walmart or the "whatever" needs to be improved. We already buy everything here in town but that occasional loaf of French Bread from Walmart is ten times better than what we can get at our local grocery store.

Reanaclaire said...

Great information here..
Have a nice day, Patty!

Margaret Cloud said...

These are very good suggestions, ones we never think to give. I thank you for all these suggestions and good ones indeed. I read back through your blogs to catch up. I always enjoy your stories and jokes.

Shionge said...

Hurray!!!! I am all for everything Made in America and although I am far away from the States I know where you are coming from Patty and yes, support local produce and services, my American friends needed that!!!

Imagine I was shopping in America or Europe, all is Made in China. I won't deny that China is one of the global player but within themselves, they have their own niche and market.

Support USA!!! :D

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Well Patty I get your point but what needs to be added is the all western nations are facing this issue. In Germany this summer much said 'Made in China'. The entire globe is being pushed into a corner because of the big companies and global markets. We ought to all over the world make a statement that something needs to change. And it needs to happen fast.
now just imagine if we all did what you hope for. Could it cause a huge bank loss for those big companies? If so what would it do to all of us? Collapse the current system The solution hangs in a future revolution and it is slowly beginning.The outcome will have to be a new way to do commerce. No more 1% has it all.