A New Approach to the Holidays: shop small businesses, buy local, and buy American

Below is the essence of an e-mail that is circulating through cyberspace about having a different sort of holiday—one that not only saves your pocketbook but will make holidays more meaningful. It is a great way to also avoid the new year shopper’s remorse of returning gifts—and paying the credit card bills. 

As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply-produced merchandise, manufactured at the expense of Americans’ jobs.
This year can be different. This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. It is time to think outside the box. Who says a gift needs to fit in a box, anyway? This is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

• 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 thinks nothing of purchasing yet another [foreign-made] flat-screen television? Consider a coupon for lawn mowing for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course instead.
• Every auto owner needs a regular oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle. Purchase a coupon from a shop run by the local guy.
• Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? What about hiring a cleaning lady for a day? If you are looking for something more personal, consider going to a local crafts show for scarves, jewelry, pottery, etc.
• Know anyone ready to throw his/her computer out the window? Arrange for a tune up or computer lessons.
• How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber? Or local owner-run restaurant?
• A gym membership is a great gift and appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
• Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.
• Purchase tickets for a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Find a venue showcasing local bands.
• If you need additional decorations, shop thrift stores such as the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill. You can get lights and other décor for pennies on the dollar—and help local nonprofit organizations as well.
• If you have bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice big tip.

Christmas should not be about draining our personal and collective American pockets. Let's make it about encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. When we care about others in our communities, the benefits come back to us in ways we can only imagine.

This idea is also being supported by American Express with their Small Business Saturday. AX is encouraging everyone to shop small Saturday, November 26 (www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday). And, if you are an AX cardholder, you can get a $25 statement credit for shopping small business on that day.

So, rather than running shopping to the point of exhaustion this year, shop small businesses, buy local, and buy American.