A New American Holiday Tradition
My friend and glorious warbler, Gloria Loring, sent this to me, and I thought it appropriate to pass along.
A New American Holiday Tradition
I love the idea of a new American holiday tradition. This idea was sent to me by Ron Mazak and I’m so excited to share it with you.
As the holidays approach, giant factories overseas are kicking into high gear to provide us with cheap goods – merchandise that is often produced at the expense of American jobs, which we sorely need.
This year we Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for each other. It’s time to think outside the box – the gift box, that is.
How about giving gifts produced by our neighbors and sold by local businesses, gifts that will help our economy? Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Maybe a gym membership – a good gift for anyone thinking about improving their health. Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you gift certificates.
How about the gift of help with someone’s home? It could be flowers from the local nursery planted in the spring, a lawn mowed for the summer, a driveway plowed, or gift certificates for rounds at the local golf course. There are local owner-operated restaurants that offer gift certificates. What about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint? Remember, this isn’t about big national chains; this is about supporting hometown Americans who are trying to keep their doors open.
How about an oil change from the shop down the street? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? She’d LOVE the services of a local cleaning service for a day. Perhaps your computer could use a tune-up. I’m sure there’s some young guy struggling to get his repair business up and running.
For something personal, local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves, make jewelry, candles, pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. You can plan holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a generous tip. Go see a play or ballet at your hometown theater. Find a venue that showcases local bands. Do we really need more strings of lights produced in China? When you buy a five-dollar string of lights, only about fifty cents stays in the community. We can make this holiday season about encouraging small American businesses. When we buy products made and sold by Americans, we shore up our communities, and the benefits come back to us in more ways than we can imagine.
Happy Holidays!
ROCK ON, GLORIA!