That Time of Year

I know it's early in the game, but the big boys and girls of marketing have started, so I thought, why not now? Just the thought of the Christmas season is laden with many facets, one of the biggest (thank you, Ad Men) being gift giving - Hanukkah too, but Christmas is the one that gets the ginormous commercial push. So when I got this in an email yesterday, I really liked it a lot. From the financial to the heart aspect, this covers a lot of ground in the gift-giving department. I hope it helps you make your choices with a bit more thought, and I hope recipients can get behind the idea as well. Christmas can get weird and it just doesn't have to be that way. All it takes is you saying, This year, we're going to do it this way. And then do it. The power of public relations and marketing is more powerful than many want to give it credit for (because it means we're more vulnerable than we like to admit), but we can say no.

One year, as I sat with my very young children in the parking lot of yet another very big, very busy mall in Florida, I burst into tears, just thinking about going inside. Maybe it was the Christmas music. Maybe one more happy elf was going to be strangled. But that was it. I started buying local after that and it was (and is) great! Do I succumb to online buying for gifts at times? Sure. Can I cut that back? Sure! Take a look and see what works for you. Come up with your own ideas. Incredibly, it can be fun! Doing good, having fun, what's not to like?

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

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 plonking 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 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 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.

Here are some deliciously simple ideas from Suzanne of Finca del Seto. We have lots of great local gift potential ideas I'll be mentioning from here on Culebra as well. You know where you live, now see what's there!

Have a mindful Monday! Do something with meaning.