A new Christmas tradition

[Nan]

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

 

Christmas quickly approaches, the giant offshore factories are kicking into high gear to provide us with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and merchandise, produced at the expense of our own labour. This year can be different. This year we could 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 local hands. It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in some offshore country's wrapping paper?

 

Everyone -- yes 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 some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, locally-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

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 home town businesses 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 an local worker?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mum? Mum 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, maybe you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewellery, 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.

 

Christmas is no longer about draining our pockets so that offshore companies can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging local small businesses to keep plugging away, to follow their dreams. And when we care about others, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

 

THIS could be a new Christmas tradition.

[Stormy]

All great ideas Nan, I'd sure appreciate an oil change, haircut or detail certificate and I'm sure others would too.

[gh`]

Wonderful ideas, Nan. Thanks!

[engines]

hmm where do i go

[Smiley]

I definitely do not get my hair cut. I do occasionally shave the fringe around my ears.

But all in all I agree with Nan. Depending on your age, you might want to give some lawn mowing, snow shoveling, or leaf raking to an elderly or infirm friend/neighbor. And baked goods are always appreciated by folks who do not have a home baker / cookie maker in the house.