Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

Ladies and Gentlemen... we could do this...
I received this as an email from a good friend, and thought, "This is the perfect post for the blog.
If you would like a copy of this article to put on your blog or email to friends just leave a comment and I'll make sure you get it!
> 
> 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. Yes there is!
> 
> It's 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? 
> 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 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 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 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, 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 is 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, and TV news departments. This is 
> a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what 
> Christmas is about?