I saw this in an email forwarded to me:
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?
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?
Well said!
I like.
Well done. I will be giving out Gift certs from local restaurants this year. Along with discounts to the St. Louis Blues Hockey Games this year. I am almost done. And it is easy to do on line. Merry Christmas.
And don't forget single moms. Put the "X" back in Xmas by getting your loved one a gift cert. for Southern along with a big ole wad of one dollar bills! ;-)
And of course if it wasn't illegal there are several personal services that many of us would gladly throw a bill or two in for... In the mean time it is fun to help out those who once again don't have anything for the family for Christmas and the holidays. The holidays are sometimes not just for the person buying something but also for the person giving something. And I could not agree more than the thought that the Chinese are not our friends and they have started a war of Chinese goods flooding our stores and we have been stupid enough to help them win this war!
Just Sayin...
BAH Humbug!!!
Christmas means while I use to buy the world for my kids I sat on the couch in my robe xmas morning and got nada in return. I was in retail for the longest time while raising the kids so getting them all the new stuff and movies was easy. But one christmas stands out for me in particular.
My mom was very ill just prior to her passing. And I asked her what she would like as a gift. She said one thing would be a gift of togetherness with the entire family. Brothers, cousins, everyone under one roof for the first time in many many years. Being in retail and having little time I started a campaign to bring together the family, in particular my moms brother who had been estranged from her for many years. The reasons are not important. Well I contacted my uncle and at first he was not open to the event and I told him its ok I just thought it would be nice to see him and my aunt again. Well he said he would think about it. The meeting was arranged to be at the church where my mom went to for over 30 years. At mid night mass, I had spoken to the paster and he told me they could and would make accommodations for the 30+ people that may show up. All the while my mom was unaware of this event, where when and who would show up. We got to the church and I was very nervous and pacing the floor out front waiting to see who would show up . Now some had other plans but they came anyway. almost 20 people showed up and the service was about to begin. The precession was about to begin when the big doors reopened, low and behold there was my Uncle, my Aunt, their 3 grown kids and their kids. My mom turned to see who was there and her eyes opened wide and a sigh came to her quickly and she stood with a smile. She embraced her brother for the longest time, held up the service. I looked around and the entire family was standing, laughing and crying. They sat together for the service holding hands. After the service we all went to my place and celebrated that christmas like it was our last. For my mom it was. My mom past away Dec. 29th of that year. From that day forward my uncle and I were close friends until his death in 2003.
The gift of life is what I take from christmas.
Christmas means while I use to buy the world for my kids I sat on the couch in my robe xmas morning and got nada in return. I was in retail for the longest time while raising the kids so getting them all the new stuff and movies was easy. But one christmas stands out for me in particular.
My mom was very ill just prior to her passing. And I asked her what she would like as a gift. She said one thing would be a gift of togetherness with the entire family. Brothers, cousins, everyone under one roof for the first time in many many years. Being in retail and having little time I started a campaign to bring together the family, in particular my moms brother who had been estranged from her for many years. The reasons are not important. Well I contacted my uncle and at first he was not open to the event and I told him its ok I just thought it would be nice to see him and my aunt again. Well he said he would think about it. The meeting was arranged to be at the church where my mom went to for over 30 years. At mid night mass, I had spoken to the paster and he told me they could and would make accommodations for the 30+ people that may show up. All the while my mom was unaware of this event, where when and who would show up. We got to the church and I was very nervous and pacing the floor out front waiting to see who would show up . Now some had other plans but they came anyway. almost 20 people showed up and the service was about to begin. The precession was about to begin when the big doors reopened, low and behold there was my Uncle, my Aunt, their 3 grown kids and their kids. My mom turned to see who was there and her eyes opened wide and a sigh came to her quickly and she stood with a smile. She embraced her brother for the longest time, held up the service. I looked around and the entire family was standing, laughing and crying. They sat together for the service holding hands. After the service we all went to my place and celebrated that christmas like it was our last. For my mom it was. My mom past away Dec. 29th of that year. From that day forward my uncle and I were close friends until his death in 2003.
The gift of life is what I take from christmas.
AMEN!!!
Totally on board with this! Also, Saturday is Small Business Saturday as well ... here's the details on Facebook ...
https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512
Shop local!!!
https://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512
Shop local!!!
Great idea!
Supporting local business produce local jobs.
FREERIDESTL wrote:
BAH Humbug!!!
Christmas means while I use to buy the world for my kids I sat on the couch in my robe xmas morning and got nada in return. I was in retail for the longest time while raising the kids so getting them all the new stuff and movies was easy. But one christmas stands out for me in particular.
My mom was very ill just prior to her passing. And I asked her what she would like as a gift. She said one thing would be a gift of togetherness with the entire family. Brothers, cousins, everyone under one roof for the first time in many many years. Being in retail and having little time I started a campaign to bring together the family, in particular my moms brother who had been estranged from her for many years. The reasons are not important. Well I contacted my uncle and at first he was not open to the event and I told him its ok I just thought it would be nice to see him and my aunt again. Well he said he would think about it. The meeting was arranged to be at the church where my mom went to for over 30 years. At mid night mass, I had spoken to the paster and he told me they could and would make accommodations for the 30+ people that may show up. All the while my mom was unaware of this event, where when and who would show up. We got to the church and I was very nervous and pacing the floor out front waiting to see who would show up . Now some had other plans but they came anyway. almost 20 people showed up and the service was about to begin. The precession was about to begin when the big doors reopened, low and behold there was my Uncle, my Aunt, their 3 grown kids and their kids. My mom turned to see who was there and her eyes opened wide and a sigh came to her quickly and she stood with a smile. She embraced her brother for the longest time, held up the service. I looked around and the entire family was standing, laughing and crying. They sat together for the service holding hands. After the service we all went to my place and celebrated that christmas like it was our last. For my mom it was. My mom past away Dec. 29th of that year. From that day forward my uncle and I were close friends until his death in 2003.
The gift of life is what I take from christmas.
Very sweet story I loved it!!! There is a true meaning to Christmas to everyone!!!
I treasure Christmas as a family event not as a gift giving event.
OK, it's that time of year again - the time when I do my annual disclaimer. To wit: "Any e-mail and or post I receive, here or ANYWHERE ELSE, containing the term X-mas, will be immediately deposited in the trash - UNREAD". The upcoming holiday is "Christmas" - it's named that for a reason.
Also - any register check-out clerk, store employee, or waitress/waiter who wishes me a Happy Holiday, I will (in my great big outdoor voice so everyone within earshot can hear) ask them: "Are you not permitted by your management to say MERRY CHRISTMAS?" And I won't let them off the hook without an answer.
Note: EVERYONE: Feel free to copy the above and send it along to others on YOUR e-mail list.
To those who care to disagree, explain or defend the use of the "X" alternative, don't bother - I've heard it all before.
I wish a MERRY CHRISTMAS to EVERYONE - whether you want me to or not!
Also - any register check-out clerk, store employee, or waitress/waiter who wishes me a Happy Holiday, I will (in my great big outdoor voice so everyone within earshot can hear) ask them: "Are you not permitted by your management to say MERRY CHRISTMAS?" And I won't let them off the hook without an answer.
Note: EVERYONE: Feel free to copy the above and send it along to others on YOUR e-mail list.
To those who care to disagree, explain or defend the use of the "X" alternative, don't bother - I've heard it all before.
I wish a MERRY CHRISTMAS to EVERYONE - whether you want me to or not!
MEMORIES
The kids of MY generation will always remember the wonderment of walking the entire downtown shopping area, in the snow, going from highly decorated store to highly decorated store, briefly enjoying the warmth inside, and then going back out into the bitter cold long enough to walk to the next highly decorated store, all with MERRY CHRISTMAS greetings EVERYWHERE you looked, all to find just that special and unique gift for everyone on our shopping list. Several of the stores required a little more time than the others, because there's NO way we were gonna pass up a chance to sit on EVERY Santa's lap and tell him exactly what we wanted for Christmas. And everywhere you went, the air was FULL with the sound of everyone wishing everyone else a MERRY CHRISTMAS. When your shopping was completed, there was your car, conveniently parked at the curb, safe and secure, awaiting your return.
Our kids will always treasure the experience of going from one store to another, all in a heated, enclosed mall, carrying their jacket or coat until it was time to go back outside and find the car in that dark, massive parking lot. With the diversity of the stores provided, there was something for everyone on your list. If the list got too big, you could always carry your packages out to the parking lot, hide them safely in the trunk from prying, criminal eyes, and return for more booty. And (be still my heart), there in the middle of the mall was Santa Claus. He must have been the REAL Santa - because he was the only one you could find. And the "official" mall Christmas tree was right there beside him, with a MERRY CHRISTMAS sign attached for all the stores to share and enjoy.
Our grandchildren will forever have fond memories of buying Christmas gifts off the Internet.
And if they're very lucky, they may find a convenience store clerk who actually speaks enough English to wish them a Happy Holiday as they pay for their gas.