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 labor.
This year will be different. This year Australians will give the gift of
genuine concern for other 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 owned detail shops
& car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift
certificates. For the Gardeners on your list - how about some lovely healthy
pot plants or plants for the garden or even a gift certificate from the
local lawnmowing man.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down
the Panasonic of 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 bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. If your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a
half dozen breakfasts at the local cafe. Remember, folks this isn't about
big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town 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?
What about a gift certificate from a local home handyman for some chores to
be done around the home?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mum? Mum would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.
Someone's computer could use a tune-up,& I KNOW I can find some young guy
who is struggling to get his repair business up& running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool& knit them into scarves. They make jewelry,& pottery&
beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. 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 10,000 Chinese lights
for the house? When you buy a $5.00 string of light, about 50 cents stays in
the community. If you have those kinds of to bucks burn, leave the postman,
garbo 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
Australia, encouraging our small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. When we care about other Australians, we care about our
communities,& the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new Australian Christmas tradition.
