Some catchy Christmas gift ideas buy American

Normally I don’t pass on a whole lot of things from emails, but in this instance, some of the things said just caught my eye. With Black Friday history, now Thanksgiving Day shopping, Cyber Monday, and Christmas fast approaching, it seemed like many of them are good ideas. It reads as follows:
“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. There really are a lot of things.
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 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 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 restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a movie at your hometown theatre.
“You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets. Christmas is now about
caring about United States and 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.”
I like some of those ideas about giving service gifts. What a neat idea for some of those hard to buy for people on our lists.  We can find out where they get their hair cut or other services, and buy gift certificates for them. There are many local businesses in our area that would be glad to supply gift certificates for Christmas giving. Many of them were open on Holiday on First Street in Hughes Springs held last week. Just think . . . local shopping; easy on the gas tank, which I noticed raised a swift 10 cents overnight in Daingerfield as an approach to Thanksgiving travel. Shopping locally and purchasing gift cards locally can make sure there will be a lot more time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It really should be a big birthday celebration; it’s Jesus birthday.