A New Christmas Tradition

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ourwolfden

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My coworker e-mailed this to me and I thought I’d share it:

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. Oh.... Yes there is! It is 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 Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? 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 gazillion 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 (We the People), 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 could not imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!!

Please pass this around. We can make a difference. Can't we?
 
Another great thing to do during the holidays is to give good reviews to retail workers who provide you good service. Ask to speak to a manager, or go to customer service and ask if there is a comment card you can fill out. For a lot of companies, these positive comments can lead to prizes, recognition, or at least show up on their evaluations. You have no idea what an impact your 5 minutes of effort can make to a struggling retail worker.
 
Another great thing to do during the holidays is to give good reviews to retail workers who provide you good service. Ask to speak to a manager, or go to customer service and ask if there is a comment card you can fill out. For a lot of companies, these positive comments can lead to prizes, recognition, or at least show up on their evaluations. You have no idea what an impact your 5 minutes of effort can make to a struggling retail worker.

You said it! If someone is really helpful or friendly, they aren't allowed to say "if you liked the job I did, please tell my manager or go online and write to corporate about your good experience" - but especially in larger chains they can get really rewarding perks that make all the difference.

I do the same whenever I fly - since super nice and attentive and friendly cabin crew are fairly far between, I always make a point to note their name and the flight number and day and send an email to the airline once my trip is over detailing their helpfulness and warmth. It always gets passed on to them - if nothing else, hearing that somebody appreciates you in a highly under appreciated job is something most retail workers won't forget soon!
 
i totally agree with that email, except to make it more international, just to find local artisans and give locally made gifts. and also, gifts that will be USED. i personally hate getting frivolous things that isnt' practical. the bf knows that, and for my 30th bday, i got a new set of tires! most girls would frown upon that, but i appreciate things i can make use of.

oh, and side note....i'm in the Caribbean, and we get shipments of pine trees from Canada for Christmas. i don't like that either...things travelling so far. my bf and i dig up a little banana tree and use that as our Christmas tree. it's cute, local, and can be replanted!
 
My big thing is that my house is just too small for lots of junk I don’t need. I still have presents from several Christmases’ ago that are in packing boxes for the last time we moved. It isn’t that they were bad gifts, I like them, but I have no place to put them and can’t get rid of them because of who they are from.

Most people are getting wine and soap for Christmas.

But the hubby and I are getting each other a huge TV, just because we really enjoy relaxing and watching movies together. Although I keep telling him hiring someone to come in a do my cleaning for me would be super sweet! J
 

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