'Tis the Season, Sign the Holiday Shopping Pledge

I have started to notice that many of the Christmas season advertisements have begun, and they seem to focus mainly on making it easier for broke Americans to spend more money this year. For instance, many very large chain stores are offering lay-away on high ticket items so that in your "broke-ness" you can split up the cost of that new t.v. into two separate payments. Presumably this means that two paychecks can be reduced by half in order to purchase said t.v., and I guess if one's television has broken, this indeed can be a good thing. Otherwise, I am not sure who is buying t.v.'s as a gift, (certainly not me), and therefore I am confused as to why this would be a good thing in terms of Christmas shopping.

The second thing that I have seen advertised is that some stores will advertise their "Black Friday" low prices before "Black Friday". If this seems confusing, that's because it is. At some date in the future, some store will tell you what the prices on some items will be on a specific future date. I'll assume that this tactic is meant to encourage consumers NOT to spend (odd) until that specific future date, ie: "Black Friday". And if that wasn't enough, there is also a chain letting consumers know that if they find an item that is priced lower, they will match that price, thereby attempting to ensure that ALL holiday dollars will be spent at their store.

I only bring this up because I think that consumers should flex their muscle, and there is no better time for a workout then holiday shopping. In the same way that a petition and some loud voices stopped another round of bank fees, I think that in this moment consumers should begin to make demands of our holiday gift suppliers. This demand is simple too: Keep the money that I spend for my holiday shopping in the United States! With 9% unemployment, consumers can be this country's biggest fan by showing the big box chain stores that we are mad at their business practices and we are not going to take it anymore!

Therefore, I propose the following

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 box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Think about these ideas instead:

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.
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. Think about your local artists and crafts people . . . paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, hand made sweaters and scarves.
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.

How else can you help?

Forward this blog to EVERYBODY you know in some way or another.

Commit to allocating a portion, if not all of your holiday funds, to advance the local economy as suggested above.

Be a part of the solution and sign the pledge:

https://www.change.org/petitions/holiday-shopping-pledge#