Friday, December 16, 2011

All American Christmas


I honestly don't remember where I found this, but thought it was so cute and wanted to share since I don't have any decorations to share this year.
It is the first year I haven't put up any decorations in my whole life, but with my sewing marathon and Mr. SS being out of town I just haven't gotten around to it.
No one to see them but me. But it is just not like me, so next year will be different. This  little RV cottage will be decked out.  It's  very "ungrandmaish" not to decorate for Christmas.

BUT while we are on the subject of Christmas. I have received the following in several e-mails and thought I would share it. Maybe some of you have seen it around too.
Most of you probably have your shopping done, but there are some good ideas here especially for that "hard to buy for" person on your list, or for the "one who has everything"
Just a thought...



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 might be difficult to give up Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart and the like.
At least look at the sticker before purchasing. Look for the American flag.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 Benjamines 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. 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 lights , 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. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups! 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?


As I was cleaning up my sewing room today, and folding and putting away scraps of satin and velvet, I noticed this:
Yep!! All that yummy blue velvet came from Korea..
Well, there's always next year!!



God is Good!!
Life is Good!!

5 comments:

Suzanne said...

Sadly there is no longer any fabric made in the USA. Most of the good stuff is printed in Japan and Korea.

This year I'll be giving my husband, son and grandsons a long weekend together fishing in Lousianna for some US grown catfish and bass. The gift of time together. That's thebest gift of all.

Love that little tree Beverly. Merry Christmas.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hi Bev, glad to hear I am not the only one that hasn't decorated. I just haven't felt it this year. And time has gotten away from me. The more time passes, the less I feel that I should bother with decorating. My kids haven't even said anything about it this year. I feel kinda bad but like you, I will make sure that next year is different for all the holidays. I will get organized and I will be on top of things ... hopefully. HA! Take care and enjoy your holiday whatever you do. Best wishes, Tammy

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

Hi Beverly. You summed it up perfectly. I could have not said it better. I am glad to see that more and more people are taking notice and supporting our locally owned businesses. The first Saturday after that Black Friday insanity there was Small Business Saturday. From what I understand it was a successful.

I am glad to hear that I wasn't the only one who didn't deocrate...well I minimally decorated. My weekends and time just got away from me. Hopefully next year :)
Hugs, Sue

Lady Jane said...

I try very hard to buy American and it isnt that easy thats for sure. We sure need to get our people back to work so I do so try... Hugs, LJ

Susy said...

I'm going to be more intentional about buying American. I know when I had my store there were few wholesale Made in America" options. Christmas blessings to you and your family Beverly. xo