This one is worth sharing as most of us will be scrambling this weekend to finish up..
Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition..shop local:)

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 few of us need, and does nothing to foster our local community.
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 box? Wrapped in Chinese wrapping paper?
Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local hair salon or barber?
Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, independently 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 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 & caterers — 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 neighborhood 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 the local 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 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.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining our economy so that the 1%
shareholders in national chain big box stores can improve things for themselves.
Christmas is now about caring about US
(We the People), encouraging our hometown 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!!
This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what
Christmas is about?