Christmas 2011 -- The Birth of a New
Tradition
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November 5, 2011 |
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.
How about an introductory or sight seeing flight
at your local airport?
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. here 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 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! |
Carla Dedera
Northern Air Inc. |
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