I got an email this week from Rick Kerlin, of Warsaw. It was one of those emails that’s been forwarded a million times or so. Most times I just get rid of emails like that, but this time, as my finger hovered above the delete key and I started reading, I became interested. The more I read, the more I liked it. By the time I got to the end, well, I decided I would share it with our readers. The author, as with many of these things, is unknown. So thanks to Mr. Kerlin, I can be lazy this week and use this as my column. Christmas 2012 Birth of a New Tradition As the holidays approach, the giant Chinese factories have been 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 Americans 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 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 thinks nothing of plunking down the dollars 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 a membership 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 is about supporting your hometown American 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 local auto repair shop or auto dealership run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would love a visit from a local cleaning service for a day. Your computer could use a tune-up, and you know you can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Well, local craftspeople 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 10,000 Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a $5 string of lights, about 50 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 a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about? Buy American, be American. The job you save might be your own.***** Now, see, that just made good sense, didn’t it? And when you stop and think about it, there are lots of other opportunities for local gift giving. Toward that end, the Times-Union will be teaming up with local businesses to offer a “Spend $20 on the 20th” promotion. On Thursday, Dec. 20, businesses all around the area will be offering special items or services for 20 bucks. Watch for the ads with lists of all the special deals in the Dec. 17 edition of the Times-Union. The Times-Union is offering a “Spend $20 on the 20th” special as well. All new subscribers get three months for $20. That’s $13 off the regular price for three months of home delivery. Not a bad gift idea for someone who currently is not subscribing to the Times-Union. Now get out there and buy local stuff!
