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 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 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.
Susan thanks for sending this to me. And you know what - I think you were my very first follower. Thank you.
Susan At Corgi Dog Mama
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 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 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.
Susan thanks for sending this to me. And you know what - I think you were my very first follower. Thank you.
Susan At Corgi Dog Mama
Thought for the day - America's Destiny.
Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. -William Jennings Bryan
Well I can't even buy all American made for Christmas or for home. But what I can do - is try to make a conscious choice to buy more America made products then I do. Every little bit helps.
39 comments:
I love this Chatty. It's a shame that it's basically impossible to be 100% American or local, but it's nice to do what you can!
a good idea and I agree, can't do it all but do what we can
My thoughts exactly...I've been sharing this through email...glad to see it as a post. Wow...your header is a beautiful photo!
I believe so too. While at the Country Living Fair I wondered where they found some of their stuff that was so popular - factories in India making reproductions of antiques. Hope you have a great Christmas!
Kathy
What a brilliant post today, Chatty. We should also take this up over here in England as well. So many businesses are struggling at the moment in this dreadful economic climate. Well done you! On a lighter note, I've done a Chatty over at my blog today, and come up with some funnies! Have a lovely weekend my friend.
Great post Sandie! There's a lot out there!
Have a lovely day my friend! Hugs x
I am buying USA made as much as possible and also using Etsy and other local stores. Of course I buy vintage and that helps recycle items also. Great post! Hugs, Linda
Like your new signature line, Sandie! Too cute! I know today is Small Business America shopping day. People are encouraged to support small local businesses today.
I like all the ideas listed here. I think we can be creative and support local American businesses if we take the time to do so!
have a good day!
betty
Amen!! Great post, Sandie (and Susan). blessings ~ Tanna
Amen Chatty. Excellent post to remind us all where our allegiance should be. Here at home. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. LJ
YES! Thanks for sending out this important reminder!
But I like all my household products to be imports loaded with lead
Thanks for this post. Buying in America and buying locally are good choices this Christmas. I also think buying at smaller private companies is good. There is the price issue at times but as far we we can, it's better
Love the Santa and Reindeer clip!
Yep, today is our Shop Local Businesses Saturday. Many times, all year round, when I'm browsing in a small gift shop, etc., I'll buy at least something, to try and help their sales. Great post, Sandie!
I'm certainly with you on this one...I love to see the "Made in America" tags....However, these are becoming "RARE" to find...
Blessings Sandie..
shug
I completely agree Sandie! Thanks for sharing and reminding us. I'm going out shopping with a friend today and I will pass it on. :)
a very good reminder. even if we try just a little harder to buy American, it might make a difference. :)
Great post Sandie :)
Good ideas to help America, and shop its a two for one.
I agree with this, I'm a Canadian and we always look for the made in Canada label.My husbans has very strong feelngs about the dollar store, we live in small space so I don't buy a lot of extras, I use what I have now and don't follow fad decorating styles, plain jane here but, I preferr to spend my dollars at home first, or the US, Canada doesn't produce everything and we love our American neighbors,,
Here Here!!
*hugs*deb
Great idea!!
Excellent post!
I will be giving my oldest grands money....I hope its made in the USA. I don't know about the young one yet. I do hope to be able to find something made in the USA. What really gets me is how darn hard it is to fine toys made in the USA. Knowing that china is trying to posion our kids...WHAT ARE THEY DOING UP THERE ON THE HILL.
A wonderful theme... and I hope everyone in the UK follow your actions and purchase local goods..
Big hugs from Drew xx
It is almost impossible to buy everything we need American made, especially if we are watching our pennies. But we can be more aware of it. And I like the idea to give gift certificates to our locally owned shops and restaurants!!!
Thanks for reminding me and inspiring me to buy locally; American workers need us to do that, and the idea of a restaurant or hair cut gift coupon, etc. directly puts the money in our communities.
Very nice.. As an Asian American. I say the same thing you say because I am AMERICAN first. There are plenty of mom and pop stores that could use local help. Also try local crops to help the local agriculture and farmers in general..
Thanks for the reminder! I always like to have my Christmas Recital at the local coffee shop. She also LOVES to have us, as it is crazy busy on those days. I love shopping local. I could do without putting lights up!
well said Sandie. I also like the idea of supporting small locally owned businesses rather than the big box stores
Those are great ideas, Sandie. Yes, every little bit helps.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.♥
I Agree!!!
These are ideas that are new to me and I like them very much. What a wonderful thing to support your country and local businesses!
As well as supporting made in the USA, I believe it is going to be a very important factor this year and in the years to come, that we make every effort to support our local, small business merchants.
My thoughts for a long time. It is imbarressing to be an American at times like this. Do people really need to shop until they drop? What message does that send?! We try to avoid all products made in china. Why not support our own. Country? How long do china products last?! What would happen if we all took a stand? Thanks Chatty...
Food for thought, Sandie.
Whatever happened to the joy of spending time together? That doesn't cost a thing!
I loved the ideas presented here. Yes, it's time to concentrate on what made this country great...
Sandie, I LOVE THIS!! I am going to take out a pad and pencil and jot some of these ideas down. We're doing a lot of gift card type gifts for the extended family this year, and these are great and creative ideas.
You are so right (or whomever wrote it)
This post hit the nail right on the head. I have and always will look for American made first. I will pass this on to family and friends. Thanks so much for sharing.
Yes, it's nearly impossible to buy only made in America products. I guess none of us would have a TV or computer if we absolutely refused to buy anything but American. However, you're right...there are other ways.
Not too long ago I was watching something on TV and they went into a home and tried to stay with only American products. Among other things, that meant no TV and no American Girl Doll. Yes, they're made in China too.
And this morning I thought I heard them say that Lipitor will now be available in genetic form and the FDA approved an Indian company to make a generic version.
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