This turned up in an email at work today thought I would share.
I know this looks long, but worth a read.......re Christmas 2012.
Christmas 2012 -- Birth of a New Tradition. As the holidays approach,
the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide
Australians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Australian labour.
This year will be different. This year Australians will give the gift of
genuine concern for other fellow Australians. There is no longer an
excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced
by Australian 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 their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your
local 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, locally 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 dollars on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful
gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the
summer or games at the local golf course.
There are a kazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended recipient isn't the fancy eatery
sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint
(NOT Maccas). Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains --
this is about supporting your local Australian small business owners
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 Australian 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 jewellery, and
pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants. 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 lights, 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 Australian pockets so
that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about
caring about us, encouraging Australian small businesses to keep
plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other
Australians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back
to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section
in your city or Facebook -- send it to the editor of your local paper
and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of
caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?
BUY AUSTRALIAN - BE AUSTRALIAN - The job you save might be your own.
