Christmas 2011 — Birth of the 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 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.
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, 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. Donate money in their name to a cause you know is important to the recipient: animal welfare, medical research, or the local food pantry.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about Americans, 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.
This is a revolution of caring. Isn’t that what Christmas is really all about?
I just had a flashback of being a child and MAKING presents to give to my loved ones. My Mom still has the ashtray, glitter-covered Christmas tree made of macaroni and Santa hat with my name on it. Now kids are sent to the store with $50 and a mission to out-do everyone else. Let’s make Christmas simple again, bring it back home to its roots, and resist the “Hallmark Holiday”, even if it’s just this once.
In closing, I usually reserve anything Christmas related until after Thanksgiving has passed, however I posted this today because I am already being overwhelmed with commercials for toys, TV specials, decorations and the music (Oh for the love of Pete, the MUSIC!) and felt this was the perfect time to post this message.
John said:
HEY!
What about buying AMERICAN MADE sunglasses?
😀
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hhtc said:
Excellent point John! I got mine at http://www.39dollarglasses.com 🙂
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Amy @ Grace and Flowers said:
Love this. Great ideas for great gifts that come from the heart and benefit our own communities!
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hhtc said:
Thanks for your comment Amy! I think we tend to forget how much we can enjoy the gift itself instead of focusing on it being the perfect gift or the best deal.
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Dorien Morin-van Dam said:
Nice post Elizabeth! We give with a budget in mind and encourage our kids to give gifts of the heart. We are going to start some new Christmas traditions this year and they might just include not buying any buy items at all. I like your approach on gift cards and hand-made items. Wouldn’t you know I already have picked up two wine-bottle lights, made out of recycles wine bottles.
Cheers,
Dorien
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hhtc said:
Thanks for the comment and the compliment Dorien! I have lucked out in that a friend of mine got these cool glass bottles that I bought off of her CHEAP that I have been “crafting” up some ideas 🙂
When I get it figured out, I will be sure to post pictures (but only AFTER I give them out LOL!)
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