A New Tradition

I came across this in an e-mail that someone sent to me today. I thought it would be nice to pass it along. I have no idea who the originator is, so please bear with me...

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I, for one, have been trying to pay closer attention to the country of origin when making my purchase. I find it very satisfying to buy "Made In U.S.A."

And more than once, I have found that the local product is cheaper & the businesses really appreciate it!

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 (which generally fill up our land fills within a couple of years) 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 plunking down the Benjamin's 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? would LOVE the services of a local cleaning service for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young person 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. Don't forget your minister/pastor/priest or anyone else who gives to you in ways too many to list.

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 -- throw up a post on Craigslist 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?

One more thing, please don't forget about your LOCAL food pantries. There are many, many people out there who have no money for food on a daily basis. Local food pantries give food to those in need at no cost, unlike Feeding America, who charge those in need. Think about it, if you can't afford food at any cost, why would a charity charge the poor? 'Free' does not have a price tag. Clean out those pantries and throw in a few bucks while you're at it!

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Now, adding my two cents....

I have local businesses that would love to participate in this "new tradition" this year.

I will start with my own (I can only speak for my own Geeks On Call franchise that serves Westernd Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia), if you live or want services rendered in Northwestern Maryland, Eastern West Virginia and the South/West portion of Pennsylvania where I own my Geeks On Call franchises... I would love to talk to you and give you a special deal on services when dealing with a gifting opportunity. Call me and we can talk about it in greater detail.

I also have several reliable local business contacts that may also be interested in providing services as a gifting opportunity as well. So if you are in the market for gifting any of the following services:

Budget Blinds
Settlement Needs (you never know who needs help)
Financial Planning advice
Hotel Accomodations
Theraputic Massage therapy
Heating & A/C services (this is the season to be warm...)
Health Insurance advice
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Landscaping services
Home Improvement Specialists
Silver Jewelry Specialists
Nutritional Supplements
Edible Arrangements

Contact me and perhaps we can put you in touch with these local experts and help you give the gift of local support to your loved ones or friends.

Carlos Soto
Geeks On Call
Franchise Owner