A Thought for the Holidays

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, many of us find ourselves becoming increasingly stressed about the holiday season as it rapidly approaches. 

What will we buy, how will we pay for it, and how can we make it different? Well, for starters, let's take a look at what is going on around us and find a way to not only celebrate the season, but do it with honor.

We can be proud of who we are as a country and offer our assistance in the repair of our economy. Every small effort we make is a huge step in the right direction.  It's time to think a little differently this holiday season, and support Americans and American jobs!

Here are a few thoughts to get us all on the right track, just in time for the holidays. 

Everyone gets a haircut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber shop?

How about a gift certificate toward a vacation you heard someone was planning?

A gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages.

Perhaps you know someone that could benefit from a few relaxing sessions of massage, a talk with a health counselor, or has always wanted to try yoga?

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 would think nothing of spending a great deal on a foreign-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his or her driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or a few rounds at the local golf course. 

There are so many 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 hometown Americans. In keeping their doors open, they are putting their financial lives on the line. 

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.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and hand-blown glass. 

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. Maybe after dinner, go out to see a play or ballet at the local theater. 

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands (like MilkBoy and Brownie's 23 East in Ardmore). Know a little songbird? Help them fine-tune that skill with voice lessons.

Keep it simple and elegant: do you really need to buy another 10,000 lights for the house? Keep in mind when you buy a $5 string of lights that only about 50 cents stays in the community. Not to mention that everyone pays the utility bill on that string of lights. Let's try to conserve energy, not burn it all up. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. 

No matter what you believe or the size of your budget, just remember that the holidays are simply a time for caring. Not just about those on your list, but about us, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away, to follow their dreams.

When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. 

Disclaimer: Portions of the above were shared with me in a mass email with no known author, but it is too good an idea not to share with everyone. Please feel free to pass it on.—Jen Kremer