Lets start a new Christmas tradition....

[23tbucketvw]

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets his or her hair cut.
How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber? Gym membership?
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, local 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 hundreds 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.
Owner-run restaurants -- all offer 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.
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.

Christmas isn't really about draining our pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is about caring
and, when we care about others, the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS SHOULD be Christmas tradition.

[Gorilla]

FOOD for THOUGHT

[Ragtop69gs]

Great post and an even better idea. would you mind if I repost on some other forums I'm on?

[Bill1BigDog]

OUTSTANDING ideas! Happy Holidays to all of you this season and lets start taking care of our own, the other countries should take of their own as well.
Times are changing...soon we'll be speaking a different language.