PuffsPlus Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide North America with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian & American labor. This year will be different. This year Canadian & Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for our other fellow citizens. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by North 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 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, locally 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 on a Chinese or Korean 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 citizens 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 local 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. Buy books written by Canadian/American authors. 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 Canadian and American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging Canadian and American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians and Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new European or North American or South 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fastarnie Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 All very good ideas. Thanks for sharing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuffsPlus Posted November 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 All very good ideas. Thanks for sharing. Thanks Arnie, I liked the idea because in retrospect, the BEST Christmas gift I ever got was a gift certificate for an hour of massage.....it was marvelous! and I love gift cards to restaurants and movies!! I surely don't need more STUFF, I am trying to get rid of STUFF ! I will promptly donate anything I'd have to dust ! LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anti This Anti That Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 (edited) If all Americans who held the tradition of Christmas would boycott all foreign goods this coming Christmas, it would send a big message to corporations, and politicians. They need to be hit in their pockets because otherwise they just laugh off the protest, emails, faxes, and letters. Edited November 13, 2011 by Anti This Anti That 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PuffsPlus Posted November 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2011 If all Americans who held the tradition of Christmas would boycott all foreign goods this coming Christmas, it would send a big message to corporations, and politicians. They need to be hit in their pockets because otherwise they just laugh off the protest, emails, faxes, and letters. I didn't even think of that! But you are right...we have to start taking America back and it has to start somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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