A Haven for Vee

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Little Whatevers and Some Christmas Thoughts

Nothing too exciting going on around here today...

Oh wait! Yes, it's time for my hair to be trimmed this morning. I found yet another picture to take with me this time so I'll probably have the most confused hairdresser ever. I'm pretty sure that she already thinks I'm a nut. No comments please. Whether I show you my new do depends upon how well you behave until I get back or whether I'm in tears. Because, believe me, I can be reduced to tears by bad hair days. I can. I am that shallow.



The following is an excellent good sense article printed in its entirety about Christmas shopping. It's time for most of us to begin thinking about these things. I first read it while visiting Diane who writes a wonderful (and sadly private) blog. I believe she said that this comes from one of the ubiquitous forwards we all receive.

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 his/her 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 Benjamins 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.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?


I don't believe that that's what Christmas is all about, but I still like the article. Thank you, Diane!

(Feel free to copy and share with your friends and family.)

For even more excellent and practical suggestions, visit Coffee Tea Books and Me Being a Blessing During the Holidays.

Have a blessed day...

 

35 comments:

  1. I agree - Christmas is so much more - such as we should be celebrating the birth of our saviour. This article really made me think, though, about how many more ways I can support our local business people during this season of giving.

    One of our special traditions when the children were little was to bake Him a birthday cake and sing "Happy Birthday, Jesus". Our daughter-in-law carried that tradition on for their children.

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  2. Vee,
    The trouble is Christmas shouldn't be about gifts at all, it should be about celebrating the birth of Christ. I have always had such a hard time with the way Christmas became about giving gifts at all. The gift of Christmas is Jesus.

    When my girls were little we used to have a birthday cake for Jesus, so they would remember the true meaning of Christmas.

    Growing up, my three sisters and my Mom used to make all of our gifts for each other. My mom always had a cause to support, whether collecting money for the poor, or visiting the nursing homes at Christmas.

    My sisters and I still try to make some our gifts. I wish I could go back in time to the simpler days.

    Karen

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  3. When one notes how almost all Christmas decoration is 1. Made in China and 2. Has nothing to do with our Savior's birth (penguins?) it becomes a shameful state if affairs: how will those factory workers ever know the true meaning of Christmas?

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  4. Two big issues- buying locally and the real meaning of Christmas- I, too, wish for a simpler time, when we were proud of America, and when Jesus was the center of the season.

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  5. Great article, Vee. I agree that it's good to support our local merchants and keep our money at home instead of supporting China. Thanks for sharing this.

    I got my holiday hair cut yesterday. Hope yours turns out to your liking!

    Btw, sorry the link wasn't working. I think it is fixed now. It's supposed to be!

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  6. Awesome post. This needs to go on Facebook.

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  7. I saw this going around on Facebook.

    I am making some gifts this year, and buying books and a few computer things.

    We do like to frequent local businesses, too. There are some great "out of the box" ideas for gifts on this list.

    Deanna

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  8. FANTASTIC!!! This needs to be spread far and wide, across our Beloved Land.

    Thank you Vee and Deanna.

    Now Bloggers, lets get to spreading it. :-)

    Gentle hugs,
    "No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap." ~Carrie Snow

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  9. Great ideas & wonderful post Vee!

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  10. I had my hair trimmed on Tues. And you, on Wed. How is that for Synchrinosity?

    I got tired of growing out one side, and was set to *get sheared* again. But pulled-a-middle-of-the-road request. :-) No longer not letting her touch the right side. But not wanting very, very, very short-all-over, either. :-)

    Oh and my Hairdresser said, (without any prompting) that she has fun with doing my hair. 'Cause I often surprise her. :-) (Guess that would be more fun, than to always do the exact same thing, on a women.)

    But also, I am NEVER disappointed. Never! Because hair always grows. So Patricia knows I'll never pout at her, after I'm *done.* :-)

    Gentle hugs,
    "No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap." ~Carrie Snow

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  11. I hope that you're getting that "stash" waxed off too! :P (I kid, I kid)

    Those are great ideas! I really try to buy North American products whenever I can. I love the ideas about supporting local businesses too!

    Thanks!

    ((Hugs))
    laura

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  12. I wish there was a way to enjoy the products made across the ocean and have those people who made the products helped. It is sad that they work so hard and see so little of it in return.
    I am actually far more concerned about that detail than I am our own protection (speaking as a Canadian).

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  13. Such great suggestions...for supporting local businesses at this time of the year (and always!). Thanks.

    Have a wonderful day...and may your time at the salon produce happy results!

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  14. So few people need more stuff. Gift certificates for services such as you've mentioned are wonderful ideas. Gift cards for restaurants or coffee shops are another idea.

    You're getting your hair cut today - mine will be done tomorrow. Tis the season!

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  15. Hi Vee!

    I like that article! I totally agree with you . . . there is so much more to Christmas, gift giving is just a small part of Christmas for me. But, if we do give gifts, what wonderful ideas! I would love it if I my husband gave me tickets to our local play mill, or a wonderful concert! I often give my kids gift certificates to their favorite restaurant with movie tickets, along with a note that I will babysit . . . :0)

    Good luck with the haircut - one of my biggest challenges in life is my hair!! I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  16. I received this email too and it has some great ideas but we could all do with a little less around our homes and give consumable gifts or gifts of time instead. I hope your trip to the hairdresser was a good one! Hugs, Pam

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  17. I've been good all day (well, it's only 12:47 PM CST), but isn't that long enough to be rewarded with a picture of your new haircut??!!!

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  18. Great post! God Speed on your hair cut!

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  19. Good luck with your new "do", Vee. I think a bad do is just cause for a good cry. Been there myself ... on my wedding day, no less.
    I think this list is great. I have been making a real effort to buy things Made in America and feel victorious when I am able to find them.

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  20. Vee
    I hope this finds you dry eyed and content with your new 'do'!
    I found your article thought provoking and full of a lot of good ideas. I won't go whole hog with the writer in shopping, but I do my best to support local businesses as much as possible.

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  21. Hope you like your hair trim.
    I have read the shopping thing already.
    Being called a nut reminded me of what we said as kids when someone called you a nut.
    Nuts grow on trees.
    Trees grow in the ground.
    The ground is part of nature.
    Nature is beautiful.
    Thanks for the compliment.

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  22. Hope you aren't crying about that hair! These are some good ideas for Christmas gifts...I'd like a few of them myself.

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  23. Good points, but I agree that there is so much more to Christmas. I will have to change this into a UK version I think, for my friends.
    The hair - yes....I am having mine cut tomorrow. You know when NOTHING you do can keep it under control? Um yes. That would be me right now. transformation times tomorrow......

    I hope your looks wonderful!

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  24. Vee,

    I truly believe in keeping as much money in our community by supporting small business owners. I happen to be doing many of the suggestions on the article list.

    Hope you are having a great hair day!

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  25. I am sharing this post with my younger generation kin. I LOVE IT!

    I am going to link it to my Christmas blog, too. This is wonderful, Vee!

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  26. Good evening Vee. I love that gingerbread garland. I wish I could make something like that to hang in my home. Well, sigh, maybe next year.
    I totally agree with the article you posted. I have also gotten it in an e-mail before.
    I don't like the comercializm of Christmas. I usually get what I have to get way before the holiday approaches. I tuck it away and truly enjoy the entire Advent season. It's not to say I'm not busy. This year I'm finishing the Christmas Spiders I started last year. I'm spreading out my work so that I don't get eye strain. I can't wait to see your new do

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  27. This is great and I am really trying..really really trying to be simple, to be "local" and to TRY to make most of my gifts out of recycled stuff..but I know the shopping is inevitable..but I do love some of the ideas in here - thanks! and I'll bet you're as cute as ever with your new "do"!

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  28. Vee,
    What a thought provoking article.
    And yes, make sure to show off your new do!
    It never stops amazing me how a good or bad hair day can affect my outlook on myself!

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  29. I got that article too, shared by a e-mail friend. If folks would concentrate on giving those kind of gifts or ones from a regional business (remember my "ham" post?), it would be so much better. Personally, I think that any gift that doesn't require dusting is a BIG plus! LOL.

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  30. Hi Vee

    I got this this week too and was going to do a post on it. Great minds think alike!! And I agree with you about the reason for the season!

    I'm off to read your Thanksgiving party!

    Leann

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  31. It was my day to get a haircut too. I'm doing okay...how about you?
    A few Saturdays ago, the four of us were at the kitchen table for lunch when my husband looked at me and said, "Is your hair okay today?"
    Yikes! All confidence went out the window!
    (Poor guy...insists that he will never, ever comment about my hair again.)

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  32. Hope the haircut came to your expectations, Vee. I am resihned there is not much I can do to change my hairstyle so I just stick to the same ole style.

    I saw this e-mail forward recently and thought it had soem good ideas for gifts that could be for almost any occasion.

    I was so close, yet still so far, from your area for the past few days...we were in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a business dinner. Some friends took us around to see a few local lighthouses. I wish we could have been a little closer to meet!

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  33. Hi, Vee...I really haven't fallen off the face of the earth...sorry to be lax in visiting but, man, I have been BUSY. These holidays so close together get me every year.
    One hand is doing Thanksgiving, the other, Christmas. Online shopping is an absolute LIFESAVER...the only way to go. I am just about finished with my shopping and have stuck with American made(well, as far as I know). :))

    I got my hair cut last week and LOVE it. I just love it when I like the new cut. Hope yours turned out good, too.
    "If you'll show me yours, I'll show ya mine."

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  34. Thank you for sharing--these are words we should all take to heart this season!

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  35. Excellent ideas! I will certainly consider giving some of them this year!

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