Topic: Christmas 2011- A new tradition | |
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Buy American, its easier than you think.
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will 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 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 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 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 Benjamines 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 Americans 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 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 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, 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. THIS is the new American 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? |
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Great post !
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I just stopped buying and receiving gifts for Christmas which saves me a whole lot of problems.
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I dont give out gifts either
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Great post I wish I could send it to everyone I know. I love not only the concept of buying american but buy local from your town or area support the local and small buisnesses in your area......
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Great post I wish I could send it to everyone I know. I love not only the concept of buying american but buy local from your town or area support the local and small buisnesses in your area...... Thats the way to do it. And some of the things listed I would have never thought of like hair cuts and oil changes. |
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I just stopped buying and receiving gifts for Christmas which saves me a whole lot of problems. Well Bah hum bug to you lol |
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I dont give out gifts either Well Bah hum bug to you too lol |
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Edited by
navygirl
on
Wed 11/09/11 12:09 PM
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I just stopped buying and receiving gifts for Christmas which saves me a whole lot of problems. Well Bah hum bug to you lol No just being economical. My friends, family, and I would rather pay off our bills than to go into even more debt especially in a recession |
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Just curious, are you only buying American made things for Christmas, or all the time?
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I try to buy local as much as I can afford. Recycling to me is buying from the Auxiliary. Their gift shop has the same name as our nursing home because they sponsor it.
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I try to buy local as much as I can afford. Recycling to me is buying from the Auxiliary. Their gift shop has the same name as our nursing home because they sponsor it. I think that is the key word "afford". Here we are gouged beyond belief and I end up ordering from the States or Asia to save money. When you have don't have a lot of money; you make it stretch as far as you can and unfortunately the local economy has to suffer. I know many Canadians shop in the States to save money. Pretty sad actually. |
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I try to buy local as much as I can afford. Recycling to me is buying from the Auxiliary. Their gift shop has the same name as our nursing home because they sponsor it. I think that is the key word "afford". Here we are gouged beyond belief and I end up ordering from the States or Asia to save money. When you have don't have a lot of money; you make it stretch as far as you can and unfortunately the local economy has to suffer. I know many Canadians shop in the States to save money. Pretty sad actually. Our Walmart is headquartered in Batesville, Arkansas. Arkansas is my local state. So if I want to buy shoes that are made in China I go there. I think that is sad actually. Can I get an amen? |
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I try to buy local as much as I can afford. Recycling to me is buying from the Auxiliary. Their gift shop has the same name as our nursing home because they sponsor it. I think that is the key word "afford". Here we are gouged beyond belief and I end up ordering from the States or Asia to save money. When you have don't have a lot of money; you make it stretch as far as you can and unfortunately the local economy has to suffer. I know many Canadians shop in the States to save money. Pretty sad actually. Our Walmart is headquartered in Batesville, Arkansas. Arkansas is my local state. So if I want to buy shoes that are made in China I go there. I think that is sad actually. Can I get an amen? Yes "Amen" to that. Just wish our local shops here would give us a break and I would gladly buy Canadian. I shop at Walmart regularly actually so again; not buying locally but at least its affordable. |
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Excellent post! How about gift cards to your local grocery store? I sure could use some of those
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Excellent post! How about gift cards to your local grocery store? I sure could use some of those Now there is an idea. Everyone needs to eat!!! |
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Just curious, are you only buying American made things for Christmas, or all the time? I get haircuts a couple times a year, I buy my oil and filter from a small vw shop. When I buy birthday presents for my nieces and nephew I buy them at a locally owned shop that sells a lot of stuff made by small American companies so yes I buy America often. |
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Edited by
singmesweet
on
Wed 11/09/11 02:58 PM
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Just curious, are you only buying American made things for Christmas, or all the time? I get haircuts a couple times a year, I buy my oil and filter from a small vw shop. When I buy birthday presents for my nieces and nephew I buy them at a locally owned shop that sells a lot of stuff made by small American companies so yes I buy America often. That's good. But what about every day stuff that you need? Do you make sure to buy American for most of that? |
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