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| Topic: Christmas 2011- A new tradition | |
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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? Some things you cannot find made in America. I have looked at 5 different places for flossing sticks made in USA and they do not exist. When I buy jeans I buy Wrangler and only pick the ones made here (yes you can still find them). I do look and I'll pay the extra $.50-$1.00 for American made. |
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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? I'm not totally guilt free, but for the last several years I have purchased at least some of my gifts at a local metro park gift shop and the gift shop at Ohio Caverns - not sure everything there is locally produced but much is and I also support conservation that way. and a local jewelry store that sells local hand made jewelry has beautiful gifts. Just check the labels when u shop the dept stores it would be interesting to know if some stores carry more american made items than others |
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I try to avoid walmart as much as possible, I buy laundry soap and stuff like that there along with hunting/fishing licenses. |
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You really have to be careful at the grocery stores too. I was going to buy these small tomatoes...they were from Mexico
 . So I opted for the ones from CA.
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Sad but a LOT of food is imported. So much so that more and more crops are not being planted in the USA anymore because they can't afford to plant and be undersold by imports.
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