As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs
Yet this year can be different.
This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for others. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.
Yes there is, so think outside the box!
Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? EVERYONE gets their hair cut, so how about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Local car wash shops would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates that will last for months.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would prefer his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or lessons at the local golf course instead.
There are a tons of restaurants offering gift certificates. And, if your preference isn't the fancy eatery, what about a half dozen breakfast gift cards at the local IHOP?
This is about supporting your home town -- Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep the doors of their businesses open.
How many people could use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by our neighbors? How about pest control services? Get the point?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? How about the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
Planning a holiday dinner? How about going to a local restaurant with the family, and leaving your server a nice tip. It will be nice to leave the cooking to others, so that we can have a good time.
And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, do we REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the lawn during the holidays? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip to show your appreciation for their help all year long.
Christmas is no longer about draining our pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is about caring for us, and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.
When we care about others, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
So, donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let's keep it going hroughout the entire year for we are blessed.
God bless~
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