“If you have much, give of your wealth.                                                If you have little, give of your heart”

When I received the email; “The new American Christmas…” from a friend a while ago, I felt that I wanted to share it. Further more, it inspired me to keep adding to it. I would like to invite you too, to share you ideas for Gift giving here with everyone else in the group.

Go to CascadingJoy.com and add your idea at this blog: “Different Gift giving Ideas”

The new American Christmas…..

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 should be different. This year Americans should 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.It’s time to think outside the box. 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.
How about donating to a favorite non-profit, like The Center for America’s First Horse, that preserves and protects the rare breed of Colonial Spanish Horses a/k/a Spanish Mustangs?                                                                                                  Or donate to your favorite animal rescue or shelter? Many animals are in need of support as they find themselves homeless because their owners have foreclosed and couldn’t take them with them, or weather events left them homeless. 
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, 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. Spread the Christmas cheer! Have a Very, Merry Christmas America!

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.                                                                                      It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

…..what about THESE IDEAS as well?
How about making a Scrapbook/ or a personalized Journal!
Print your favorite pictures for this person, get a scrapbook, or a journal (you find them at the Dollar store, or Marshall’s for next to nothing)
Cut out favorite saying of Magazines or Newspapers, add same color…..draw something….write old or favorite poems that mean a lot.
For Journals;  split it into 12 months, decorate 12 pages or decorate it throughout. Let your imagination go wild.
Collect 12 different Inspirational CD’s: meditations, favorite Speakers, Audiobooks….
12 favorite Movies or how many years you are together – one for  each Christmas you have been together….!
Write your favorite Christmas memories – add to the Scrapbook or Journal!
Make a nutritious basket for some, that wants to start eating healthier.
Bake or cook their favorite meal and package it so they can freeze it and eat it, when they want to.
Plan a weekend together; with all the details, Pick nick basket, over night stay, restaurant, museum visit, depending on your desire and wallet size, theme oriented, romantic, unique….!
If you are giving to someone who has everything and don’t need another thing, give them a certificate in their name, to their favorite charity or any good cause. Maybe the local food pantry….!