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Christmas 2011
reneelee
Posts: 877 Member
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 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?
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 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?
0
Replies
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This was sent to me through e-mail and touched me deeply. Wanted to share with MFP!0
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This is truly amazing and thought provoking. I will be passing this along. Thank you for sharing.0
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we have a local store but they have a website of all stuff made in america... http://www.hometownusastores.com/ all things are made in the USA and they have toys, cookware etc....it is a wonderful thing to invest in American jobs and our economy0
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Thank you, that's made me rethink what I'm going to give everyone for christmas!0
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Thanks, those are all great ideas and Merry Christmas to you.0
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Those are great ideas. Thanks for sharing. The website I've never heard of from one poster too. Thanks for sharing.0
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beautifully stated.0
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My daughter sells on Etsy.com , but Etsy is world wide.
I added home town usa stores to my favorites! Thanks for sharring !0
This discussion has been closed.
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