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
American 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 theAmerican 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
theater.
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 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 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.
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?
BUY AMERICAN - BE AMERICAN - The job you save might be your
own.
So true... One of the reasons that I love local craft shows and Etsy. Everyone thinks they need to give a factory made box wrapped up pretty to light up a loved ones face... but it truely is the small things provided by LOCAL businesses that can ease the burden of their lives and bring lasting joy. Thank you so much for sharing this Julie. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
ReplyDeleteAMEN!!
ReplyDeleteI am so trying to do this!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions - especially for my brother who has positively everything - I am going to see how much a car detailing would cost!
ReplyDelete