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Vee had a marvelous post, yesterday. And you probably saw it already. But in case you didn't... I must copy the wonderful article, which she found in a blog (by 'Diane' who has a private blog). So I/we can not leave a click-able link to her blog. -sigh-
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 his/her 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.
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 his/her 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 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 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.
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.
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what "Christmas Gifting" is about?
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.
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what "Christmas Gifting" is about?
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I did change that last line... It read "...isn't that what Christmas is about?" Vee did not feel this was the whole purpose of Christmas, and many agree with her. So I simply changed it to read; "...and isn't that what "Christmas Gifting" is about?
Pic Source
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5 comments:
Oh thanks for the link love. You really didn't have to as this is making the rounds. I do think it's a good one to make the rounds, though. Very!
OH, This is Wonderful Auntie!!! Hope you'll allow me to steal it for my FaceBook page!!
Loved it!!!
hughugs
Hi Auntie!
I loved this article on Vee's post, and I love it on yours! I wish everyone would read it and really think about what it says. In our community, so many small businesses have gone under in the last 6 or 7 years, while Wal**** is thriving! Don't mean to offend anyone who loves this store - I don't! I would much rather support the "mom and pop" businesses. Thanks for re-posting Auntie!
I'm planning a simple Christmas this year!
Hugs,
Barb
Oh this was so wonderful. I love love love to see this. It's funny because at one of the art blogs that I follow (a fellow American Etsyian), she wrote about the same thing. Buy locally, from small business and artisans. This will make a difference. Another thing we could do is buy from our local farmers markets. I do so thank you from the bottom of my heart for this.
Peace, Happiness, Compassion and Abundance to ALL !
An excellent post and I do hope it gets through to a lot of people! Being in Canada, of course I prefer to buy anything made in Canada and I support our local businesses all the time. When I buy gift cards, it's always for a restaurant or store around here:-) I realize that there are many times you can't help but buy something made in China and such because they don't make it in our own countries but otherwise, BUY LOCALLY!! xoxo
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