I can’t lay claim to this as it was forwarded to me in an email from a friend.
However, I do agree with the sentiments and decided to pass them on to you!
Hope this gives you something new to think about.
–Mary Fran

During this holiday season, the giant foreign 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.
Perhaps this year will be different. This year Americans can 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. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box? Here are some suggestions for gift-giving that will help Americans help American businesses, as well as provide joy throughout the season.
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 foreign-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift recipient 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 zillion 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, this Christmas shouldn’t be about lining the pockets of national chains — this should be about supporting home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their businesses’ doors open.
How many people could 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 of a local cleaning lady for a day….or a massage…or a manicure or pedicure.
Gift certificates from the local grocery store or pharmacy are appropriate for the older citizens, as are gift baskets filled with can meats, peanut butter or herbal teas..
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 it 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.
This Christmas, you can not only give gifts to the recipients on your list, you can give a gift to local entrepreneurs through your support of their businesses. Americans can and should encourage our local small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.
Let’s make this our new American Christmas tradition.