I just had to share this recent email with you. I changed some of the details that didn’t sit well with me. What I am impressed with are the ways of helping ourselves I never thought of. I mean, I have thought of giving service gifts, but never from the point of view that it is a financially healthy prospect for our country.
I hope you find this as encouraging as I have. You can add your ideas in at the end like I did. Fun!
As the holidays approach, factories in other countries are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods. This year we can do things differently. This year Americans can 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 wrapping paper made in another country?
Nearly everyone gets a 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 his 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 plunking down the Benjamins on a flat-screen made somewhere else? 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 could 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 company for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I know I can find some young techie who is struggling to get a repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit it 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 tip.
You see, the holidays are 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 can be the new American holiday tradition.
I do have another two cents worth… If there is no money to be spreading around this holiday season, even for services, why not exchange the labor with others? If you don’t know how to do something, but can do something else , why not trade off with someone who can do what you cannot? I’ll weed your mom’s flower bed if you cut my mom’s hair… If you know how, that is! I’ll draw your dog’s portrait if you do my year end taxes. Sounds doable!
Picture Credit: By Pearson Scott Foresman via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit: By SiefkinDR via Wikimedia Commons
Diana's Healing Lotus
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