Made in America

It's that time of the year again. We are all starting to think about shopping for Christmas. Making lists. Checking it twice. Those of you who are already finished are just show offs!

There is a new ad campaign that caught my attention. Small Saturday. The idea is to buy something locally this Saturday. Not just a necessity but make a point to support a retailer in our own hometown. It's a great idea. and easy. Anything I buy Saturday also shortens my Christmas list.

Buying American takes the idea to the next level. There's been a lot said about how much of what we buy is made overseas. Even the Smithsonian gift shop in Washington was guilty. The Washington Monument souvenir-made in China. Over 70% of the merchandise in the museum was imported from somewhere else.

Yes, we may have to pay a little more if we buy American. Competition is important but putting a free market system against a communist labor force is just not playing fair. We have sold out to countries where human rights are not in the equation and sacrificed our own way of life to do so. More important, our children's way of life.

Below are some Christmas shopping ideas to start changing how we spend our money- It came from a friend who has the right idea. Thanks Marion.

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 plonking 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 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, 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.

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

-- 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?

It's me again. Muskogee Tourism is conducting a survey, looking at branding options for our community. It only takes a few minutes and adds your voice to the direction our hometown is heading. Go to www.muskogeechamber.org and add your two cents to the survey. Its a chance to be heard and even better, to be part of the plan!! chrissie