Kip Powick Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 Passed to me by a friend, and at the risk of being vilified for not being PC...I have left the word "Christmas" in this posting. Enjoy..... and think about itAs the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of local labor. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadian 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, locally 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 mega-bucks 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 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. Perhaps your computer could use a tune-up, and there must be a small shop where a local guy 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, 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 our pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about Canada and encouraging our small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about others, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Kijiji in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Hudson Posted November 18, 2011 Share Posted November 18, 2011 "There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadian hands."Great note, Kip. If Christmas is as much about buying as it is about new births, then at least 'buy' the Christmas one can afford. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specs Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 'The One of A Kind Show' is held twice a yesr in the larger Canadian cities. Nothing but Canadian products and quite a variety of unique stuff. Been buying Xmas gifts there for quite few yrs now and they do seem to be well received. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mo32a Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Well, there goes "favoured nation status"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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