Christmas 2011 - The Birth of a New Tradition!
As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories have been in high gear providing Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs. Yet this year can be different.
This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for others. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is, so think outside the box!
EVERYONE gets their hair cut, so how about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Local car wash shops would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates that will last for months.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would prefer their driveway sealed, or their lawn mowed for the summer or lessons at the local golf course instead.
Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf...tennis...horseback riding, a class at a local college? Think lessons.
There are tons of restaurants offering gift certificates. And, if your preference isn't the fancy eatery, what about a half dozen breakfast gift cards at the local coffee shops?
This is about supporting your home town -- Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep the doors of their businesses open.
How many people could use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by our neighbors? How about pest control services? Get the point?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? How about the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
Planning a holiday dinner? How about going to a local restaurant with the family, and leaving your server a nice tip. It will be nice to leave the cooking to others, so that we can have a good time.
And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater? Musicians and artists need support too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, do we REALLY need to buy another ten thousand lights for the lawn during the holidays? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip to show your appreciation for their help all year long.
As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories have been in high gear providing Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs. Yet this year can be different.
This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for others. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is, so think outside the box!
EVERYONE gets their hair cut, so how about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Local car wash shops would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates that will last for months.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would prefer their driveway sealed, or their lawn mowed for the summer or lessons at the local golf course instead.
Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf...tennis...horseback riding, a class at a local college? Think lessons.
There are tons of restaurants offering gift certificates. And, if your preference isn't the fancy eatery, what about a half dozen breakfast gift cards at the local coffee shops?
This is about supporting your home town -- Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep the doors of their businesses open.
How many people could use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by our neighbors? How about pest control services? Get the point?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? How about the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
Planning a holiday dinner? How about going to a local restaurant with the family, and leaving your server a nice tip. It will be nice to leave the cooking to others, so that we can have a good time.
And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater? Musicians and artists need support too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, do we REALLY need to buy another ten thousand lights for the lawn during the holidays? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip to show your appreciation for their help all year long.
Christmas is no longer about draining our pockets. Christmas is about caring for us, and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. Is it possible to buy only American made items for Christmas?
When we care about others, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
So, donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let's keep it going throughout the entire year for we are blessed.
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