Winter Holiday session 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced
goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian
labor. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift
of genuine concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that,
at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Canadians
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 Canadian hair salon or barber?

Gym membership or monthly Yoga pass? Appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health and wellness improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian 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 Loonies on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like their driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

How about you sign a loved one up for a cooking classes, dance lessons, potter, yoga, singing or a sport at their local community center? This is something you could do together? And is not only supporting the local instructors but is also a fun way to meet some of the people in their community.

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 Canadian 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 Canadian working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day or a massage and facial from locally owned spa.

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 theater.

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, this Holiday is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. They are now about caring
for us, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to
follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians, we care
about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we
couldn’t imagine. THIS is the new Canadian Winter Holiday 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 his time of year is about?

BUY CANADIAN – BE CANADIAN – The job you save might be your own!