As the holidays approach, foreign factories are kicking into overdrive in
order to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheap goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year should 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 are plenty of goods and services!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a box, manufactured and wrapped in foreign produced wrapping paper?
Everyone goes to the barber shop or beauty parlor. How about gift certificates?
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 big bucks on a foreign made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the season, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all are selling their 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 chain stores -- this is about supporting our home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep these 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? Who would not LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.
The computer could use a tune-up, and you 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 theater.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand foreign made
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 fat tip.
You see, the holidays are no longer about draining American pockets so that some foreign country can build another city. This 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 US tradition.