CHRISTMAS 2011--BIRTH OF A NEW TRADITION

[Tami H Dycus]

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 -- 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 plonking down the Benjamines 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 Brazilian 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 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 is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. 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 is 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?

[Teresa Smith]

I love it....spread the wealth to fellow Americans on our own, No government agency's help needed. In other words Butt out, if anyone can turn this country around its the spirit of the American people. All the Chinese things are built badly anyway, after Christmas things are broken and forgoten .....much like a politicians promise (forgive me, I could not resist). Spending your money in your own city, or town is how it should be. Yes, that is what Christmas is all about! I love the revolution of caring that would just flip out the lefty loons. Spread that idea!

[valerie eggers]

If ever there was a good year to limit shopping this is the one, at least for me. Money is an issue! So it's practical for me to adhere to what I do truly believe in anyway!! : )

[FRANKLIN SCHNEIDER]

love that Idea.and will tell allmy Friends to do it.

[valerie eggers]

I think buying American is a great idea. I don't know the best way we can promote it, but I think it needs to be promoted. Also, I always say "Merry Christmas." Also stores that obviously downplay the true meaning of Christmas are off my shopping location list!  If ALL Christians shopped ONLY those stores that demonstrate they know the meaning of Christmas is not limited to their bottom line these stores would learn a valuable lesson.