I received this email from a friend and I like it ... thought I'd pass it along. I have no idea who writes these things. With apologies to anyone who isn't in the U.S., but we have a real problem in this country of buying cheap, imported goods and driving our own companies out of business.
American 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.
Let's make this year 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 mass produced wrapping paper from China?
Everyone -- just about 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 plonking down
the Benjamines on a foreign 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 where he/she actually eats? Walk in and ask ... I bet the owner of that little joint would figure out a way for you to treat your friend to a breakfast or two on you.
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.
Remember that lovely night or two you spent at a bed and breakfast? Not that hotel chain but a real inn, with genuine hospitality and amazing breakfasts made by real folks who say goodnight and slip into their own rooms instead of driving home to where they really live. Wouldn't your friend love to stay there, too? You know that place and that friend ... when you told them about it, their eyes lit up. That innkeeper would really appreciate your business.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American mechanics?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom or dad? Wouldn't they 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 person who is struggling to get their 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 theatre?
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. We love Christmas lights but if you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
Before you buy that sweater as a gift, take a look at the label and see where it was made. If not in the USA, please ASK the store owner where the American made sweaters are? If they have none, take your dollars to the local craft fairs - you know the ones - they are held in church halls and community centers in cities and towns all over the country at this time of year. You'll find local knitters and quilters who make beautiful items with their own hands.
Speaking of clothing, check out the consignment stores that have sprung up all over. Many of these stores have high quality American made clothes, some are vintage 1940's and 50's ~ and they are not falling apart. Examine the stitching. These things were sewn in American factories by American workers and they were made to last.
Let's change things and get back to what Christmas is about.
Christmas is now about 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.
THIS should be the new American Christmas tradition.
I hope you will share this idea. And you will probably come up with some of your own.
This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?
American 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.
Let's make this year 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 mass produced wrapping paper from China?
Everyone -- just about 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 plonking down
the Benjamines on a foreign 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 where he/she actually eats? Walk in and ask ... I bet the owner of that little joint would figure out a way for you to treat your friend to a breakfast or two on you.
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.
Remember that lovely night or two you spent at a bed and breakfast? Not that hotel chain but a real inn, with genuine hospitality and amazing breakfasts made by real folks who say goodnight and slip into their own rooms instead of driving home to where they really live. Wouldn't your friend love to stay there, too? You know that place and that friend ... when you told them about it, their eyes lit up. That innkeeper would really appreciate your business.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American mechanics?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom or dad? Wouldn't they 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 person who is struggling to get their 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 theatre?
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. We love Christmas lights but if you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
Before you buy that sweater as a gift, take a look at the label and see where it was made. If not in the USA, please ASK the store owner where the American made sweaters are? If they have none, take your dollars to the local craft fairs - you know the ones - they are held in church halls and community centers in cities and towns all over the country at this time of year. You'll find local knitters and quilters who make beautiful items with their own hands.
Speaking of clothing, check out the consignment stores that have sprung up all over. Many of these stores have high quality American made clothes, some are vintage 1940's and 50's ~ and they are not falling apart. Examine the stitching. These things were sewn in American factories by American workers and they were made to last.
Let's change things and get back to what Christmas is about.
Christmas is now about 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.
THIS should be the new American Christmas tradition.
I hope you will share this idea. And you will probably come up with some of your own.
This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?