It seems as though every time I reflect upon our current recession, I find a lot of good in these times. More often than not it is more good than bad that I find. Most recently I have been thinking about the upcoming Christmas holiday. I absolutely love the time right around the beginning of November when it is time to start planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and to start thinking about decorating and buying gifts. Typically I make a list and buy everyone what they want, but this year I decided to take a step back and reflect upon all those wasted years of mindless and thoughtless gift giving. Homemade gifts from my grandkids, or gifts from the heart are really what matter, and are remembered the most. I am not saying that I do not enjoy the occasional shiny, expensive, soft, or beautiful store-bought gift, but the gifts from the heart I hold onto and remember forever. The smile that spreads across my face when I see the excitement of one of my grandkids handing me a homemade gift to open is priceless. Do not mistake my blog post for a rant that you have to be Martha Stewart, or Betty Crocker this year. However, step back and take a moment to have the kids make a card, or some simple salt and flour dough Christmas ornaments for people on your list. Your thoughtful gift does not have to rival the craft skills of “Suzie Homemaker”, but it must come from the heart. I typically do not open forward emails, or even read them. However, I felt compelled to read a recent one sent to me from a friend. It very effectively got across the point I have (possibly unsuccessfully) been trying to make during this blog. Please take a moment to read it, and take the time to sit down and think of one small item that can come from the heart this Holiday Season.
Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition
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 plunking down the Benjamin’s 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.
DonnaRHomes 