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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 can be different. This year Americans can 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 plunking 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.

If you are still fortunate enough to have a local bookstore, it may cost a few extra dollars to purchase a book from them, but it will be worth every penny.


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 and old fashioned wooden toys for children.

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 should not be about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas should be 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.

Make this 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?

I agree wholeheartedly! I sometimes have a hard time finding what the grandchildren would like so I give checks now... but your ideas are excellent Beth... thank you for this well thought out piece...
Kathleen

Thank you, Beth. I agree with you 100% and I'm going to do exactly that.

I couldn't agree more. There's a major disconnect between the crazy shopping and the need for jobs here and now. Thanks for posting Beth.

Love it when your soapbox makes sense!!

I'm with you Beth and it has nothing to do with buying Chinese goods.
I give family memberships to the Science Museum, chilren's museum, or tickets to a special show, gas cards,
boxes of holly from my garden, truffles and cookies , etc. I stopped giving "stuff" years ago.

Thanks for the good ideas. I have started giving gift certificates sometimes. Just wanted to mention something that happened with one restaurant I purchased a gift certificate from. I gave my step daughter a $50 gift certificate and when she used it the restaurant tried to tell them that it was for $25. Because I put the receipt with it when I gave it to them they could show them what it should be. I don't know if that was a mistake or something they try to get away with but won't be giving anymore gift certificates from that restaurant. If you give a gift certificate tell the recipient how much it is for.

I use to give my sister's granddaughters a lot for Christmas and birthdays but they were never taught to take care of anything. Since their parents are irresponsible and my sister was getting calls that the girls didn't have lunch money or a lunch sometimes, I sent the school what I would have spent on them this year.

I give my friend's children magazine subscriptions. I remember how excited I was as a child to get something in the mail. With all the things kids have today I doubt that it has the same effect.

Martha

Totally agree. When I first moved here, I promised myself that I would frequent the local shops here in small town Oklahoma. I have been doing that and have found some wonderful gifts by local artisans and great shops to shop in. There is so much out there to keep it American, so why give more to other countries. Linda

sharon wrote:Love it when your soapbox makes sense!!

I wish it had been my idea - but was sent to me, and i'm sharing.

Great ideas!! GO U.S.A.!!

Linda

I like this idea, but gift certicates aren't good for everyone. What brands ARE made in U.S.A. these days? Can we put together a list?

For example, SAS shoes are made in the U.S. but they aren't very good ideas for gifts. Any other suggestions, especially for kids??

I know a lot of people shop at Wal-mart, Kohl's and places like that because they either have to for the savings or just shop there for other reasons, ...Personally, I don't...and when I do shop I ALWAYS look for the Made in the USA label...don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings but my little contribution to this wonderful country is the least I can do for the freedoms we all so enjoy..........and to support those that are still protecting our country so we can continue to enjoy those freedoms....It's still the best country in the world even with our problems........

Great post, Beth!

Yes, a good post. I have been practicing that for years now.