One of my oldest friends now lives in America. I noticed this post on her Facebook page. I thought it was really interesting and considering that most of the people reading this are small business owners, I hope you will find it interesting too.

After you have read it, think about what pledge you will make to yourself this year? I have started the dreaded Christmas shopping – already I have handmade soaps and lotions from a local market where I got to ask how the product was made, what got the owners started and what they enjoyed about their business. I have also purchased hand made dresses for the little ladies in my life and am now looking for some wooden boys toys. Friends will get homemade biscuits (not made from my home…I have not yet mastered the oven) and a nice bottle of Aussie wine!

What will you do differently this year?

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 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. 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.

Melanie Miller
Small Fish Business Coaching Gold Coast
www.smallfish.com.au