Tired of The Same Old Christmas?

I did not write the following. It came to me via email. I simply copied it, cleaned it up a little and decided to pass it on to my readers since I really think the idea makes a lot of sense. As I see it, this is not just a Christmas idea but a good idea for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or any occasion where a gift is appropriate or called for 

I like the idea of spending my money locally, with local merchants. On the downside, it may cost a little more to buy in local shops and have our oil changed by a local garage and buy our tires from a local dealer. But in real terms, how much more does it really cost?

I know that for the last twenty-odd years, I’ve bought my tires from a locally owned tire dealer. I’ve had my oil changed by a local garage and the same mechanic has been doing my mechanical repairs. Until just a couple of years ago, I bought all my prescriptions from a local pharmacy until they sold out to a national chain.

Realistically, I know there are not always local trade persons that can handle our needs and supply our demands for some necessities. When that’s the case, we have to buy where we can get what we need. But every dollar we can spend with locally owned businesses is a dollar that is more likely to directly benefit our local economy. Think about that.

***********************************************

 The eMail

 “I liked this idea so much I had to share it with you. If everyone did this (not just at Christmas time), we would be providing our own economic stimulus!

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, and the years to come, could be — should be — different. This year we will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There should no longer be an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands — because there is!
 
It’s simply time to think differently — to think and spend smarter! Who says a gift needs to fit in a box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Use your local newspaper or comic section! It’s not only cheap, it’s smart!
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 sort of health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Many small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you gift certificates. Perhaps someone on your list 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 LOCAL home town small businesses — businesses which depend on you to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle? With all the work done at a local 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 computer 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.  How about going to see a play or ballet at local community theater? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, 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 instead.

You see, Christmas no longer needs to be about draining American pockets so that Chinacan build another glittering city. Christmas can, and should now be, 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 idea could become 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, local business chambers, and TV news departments. This is a revolutionary idea of caring about each other — isn’t that what Christmas is about?”

—Anonymous     

*********************************************

Some gift-giving Ideas

 You can find hand-made crafts, wall hangings, posters, poems, books and plans to build toys, cars, engines and repair plumbing on the Internet. You can find self-help books, inspirational books, mysteries, adventure stories and more on the Internet. There are cooking classes, locksmith classes, door repair classes, and degrees and diplomas all on the Internet. Many of those books, instruction manuals and religious books are written and sold by local authors.

 You can buy and send flowers, candy, and gift certificates to local restaurants, hardware stores, kiddy stores and more on the Internet. Many of them right in your own local area.

 So if you’re looking for the new, unique, unusual gift idea or the latest fad; check out the Internet and your local on-line shoppers…

 Make this Christmas a really different and delightful Christmas!

 Note: Please feel free to copy this and forward it to your friends and associates…Or, send them this link: http://www.purejake.com

—Jake Jakubuwski

Copyright, 2011

 And lest I forget; HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS, READERS AND FOLLOWERS!