The New American Christmas
Posted by Susan Pomerantz on 11/19/11 • Categorized as Green Stuff • • 
Print This Post
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with \ cheaply produced goods 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 nothing can be found that is by American hands. It’s about time to think outside the box. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salonor barber. Gym membership?. Who wouldn’t love getting their car washed or detailed? Small, local 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 paying for 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,.
There are hundreds of owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And,it doesn’t need to be fancy……what about a half dozen breakfasts at Azafrom, or Rehoboth Diner or Crystal Restaurant. We are talking about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open (not national chains….sorry Starbucks).
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 or a home organizer…or better yet a masseuse..
If you are looking for something more unique, we have wonderful local stores that sell crafts, art, jewelry and pottery. Look at the Rehoboth Art League for their wonderful handmade Christmas gifts. All the local gallleries in Lewes and Rehoboth, as well as Milton, features painters, photographers and printmakers. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre like Clear Space?
Do you really need to be the most lit-up house in the block…..forget about the ten thousand Chinese lights from the box stores? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. Or put your tree in the windo with lights and leave it at that. Local groups like Lewes in Bloom make beautiful wreaths ypu do not need to go to Walmarts.
Just remember 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
