We are enthusiastically doing the same in my family. Here is something my sis forwarded to me. Have you already seen it?
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 -- well nearly everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from a 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 book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his/her 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 recipient isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local brekfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big, national chains -- this is about supporting your home town residents 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 by the local working guy/gal?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would love the services of a local cleaning lady for a day, -- or how about a manicure - pedicure at a local salon, or a facial or massage at the local spa?
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young person who is struggling to get their repair shop 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. Also, check out Etsy.com for hand made goods.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And how about going 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 lights, 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 small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.
And when we care about our fellow townspeople, 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 contacts list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslistin 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?
