Christmas 2011~~Birth of a New Tradition

[Ray S S]

Greetings everyone, if folks started practicing this, it would sure make a difference.
>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 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 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 ~ 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 hometown 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.

>Ok, you were looking for something more personel. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into
scarves. They make jewelry, 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 home town 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 lights, 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. Christmaas is now about caring about US, encouraging 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 Christmas tradition.

[huntress104]

what a wonderful suggestion. no more worries about what to get the person who has everything. everyone has some type of expense they would be happy to get some help with. good idea and helpful tradition to get started.

[Ray S S]

Thanks Huntress, and if anyone has any sugestions to add to the list, please do it. Your sugestion might be just perfect
for someone looking for ideas. Even if they are not looking yet, it could start them thinking on the right track.

It is good to help each other when we can.

The more ideas, the better.

Ray

[Felinepeachy]

I offer pet sitting for folks so they can go away on a vacation. I print up cute little gift certificates and put them in a card. They love it!

[Ray S S]

OK, Peachy, that is a great thing to do. Fun for you and so helpful for the ones needing the service.

[packerbacker]

I saw this same article on doityourself.com. Problem is, as you spend money at the barber or oil change place, those people take your money and buy Chinese. The way to really beat the "Total Establishment" is to hand make/bake something or offer a non-material service. Problem is, I need new Christmas lights.

[DigginThePast]

Ray this is a fantastic post, great way to support your neighbor...buy their product/service. Maybe the receivers of these types of gifts will do the same when giving next time around.

[Felinepeachy]

Ray always has the coolest posts

[wayne_sa]

Nice Ray! You just made my Christmas shopping cool and easy. Open your stocking just a lil' bit... Santa's going to plop in somethin' nice.

[Produce Guy]

Buy 1 or 2 of those great ,made in America,Predator Tools & shovels

[naturegirl]

Love it! Love it! Love it! What a gift you have just given, may I re-gift it on facebook?

[Ray S S]

Packer, that is what I often have done for years. I enjoy woodcarving and making different things of wood and have given
most everything away.

Tee that is another good one that is sure to be beneficial to them.

DiggingThePast yup, sometimes a gift like this will encourage more of the same.

Thank you Peachy, that is a nice compliment and I've enjoyed yours, too.

Hi Wayne, I am glad if it has given you some ideas.

Thank you all for your additions to the post

Right on Produce guy, that is great for those who detect, but the others need something else.

Sure naturegirl that would be good if you pass it on. The more the merrier.

Ray

[bsloan]

Several years ago, out family decided that shopping for gifts was getting out of hand. Prices were too high, most of the time you didn't know for sure what to get someone, etc. So we decided to make gifts for the family. We all loved this, because we got to see what ideas the family came up with. This may not work for everyone, but it has worked for us.
As far as the Christmas lights go, I just can't help myself. I taught the Griswald family everything they know. My wife and I donated indoor and out door decorations to a group who houses special needs clients. 2 years ago, we decorated 11 houses, indoors and out.
This year I have been limited to exterior lighting. I only have about 30,000 lights to display, and I will not buy any lights this year.
So I'm off to the workshop so I can complete my Christmas "shopping".

I hope everyone on Tnet has a great and happy Christmas, or other holiday you may observe.

Bill

[Felinepeachy]

bsloan, I would love to see photos of your Christmas lights display. The thing with Christmas lights is it's not just you that enjoys them. I remember as a kid my parents would drive us through neighborhoods to see all the lights folks put up and it was something that we looked forward to doing every year. It was a big part of Christmastime. Hope your Christmas is wonderful!

[Ray S S]

bsloan, That is great when a family can make things for each other. I think a hand made gift is usually accepted as more from the
heart. I commend you for your Christmas light activities. And the wish for a happy and blessed Christmas returned to you and
yours.

Peachy, We still enjoy going around looking at the Christmas light displays, and taking the grand kids is always a fun time. A few
ago we took one of those Christmas bus tours to Niagra Falls, Canada. They took us around the area there and we saw some
fantastic and beautiful Christmas Light displays. A lot of the businesses over there really go all out in decorating. A lot more than
they do around here.

Ray

[spartacus53]

I saw this same article on doityourself.com. Problem is, as you spend money at the barber or oil change place, those people take your money and buy Chinese. The way to really beat the "Total Establishment" is to hand make/bake something or offer a non-material service. Problem is, I need new Christmas lights.

Keeping with the intent and spirit of this post, I'll help you there packerbacker

Go to: http://ethixmerch.com/supplier/ameri...ight-keychains

Buy mini LED American made flashlights and string them up with your nylon fishing line

P.S. You can always resell the mini lights after the holidays too. A win/win for everyone

[bigscoop]

I still think a chain of USAmarts would be a huge success.
"If it isn't made here it isn't in the store."

[RGINN]

When I was little, I always wanted the newest thing rolled out by Mattel but generally got...socks. I would appreciate those now at this late date. I greatly appreciate the little things I may get from the grandkids or nieces and nephews. Usually hand made and glued together, big large writing in crayon where they've tried to get the letters right, and you wouldn't find that sort of thing on the shelves of wally world or Tar-jay, but good enough for me, and I keep em forever. It disgusts me to think that most people think there is only one designated day to give gifts to others. Any day is fine, but I guess it helps to have a schedule so businesses can plan, and retail is what makes the world go round, here, Asia, Mexico, don't matter. A good gift you could give, go to an 'assisted living center', I guess they call it,(old folks home or nursing home it was called many years ago) and just sit down and visit with the folks. I've done that, and you learn a lot of things. Also, not everyone cuts their hair like they say in that one idea.