Christmas Shopping: A New Angle for a Weak Economy

This was a great idea forwarded to me by my friend M!  Some great food for thought as you prepare your Christmas shopping "strategery" ...

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide North American with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian/American labor. 

This year will be different. This year North Americans will 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!

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 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, locally 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 $$$$ 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
businesses 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 and Stand Up Comedians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local talent!
 

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, 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 North America's pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about our neighbours, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new 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? Live simply. Love generously. Be kind. Care deeply. Speak kindly. In God we trust.