I was thinking about writing a post about finding and visiting a new travel destination for the Christmas holiday, but this year we decided to stay home with family. We did travel to Oregon for Thanksgiving with my brother, and had a wonderful stay at Worldmark’s Eagle Crest Resort in the Redmond/Bend Oregon area. In fact, for the past three years, we have made the trip to Oregon, staying at a different resort on the way. So, since we are not planning a new family Christmas Holiday trip this year, I wanted to share an article that I read last month which talked about creating a new Christmas tradition.
This article is really more about supporting local businesses than about travel, but after re-reading it, I thought it would be worth discussing. Most of us spend most of our travel dollars on domestic travel, rather than foreign travel. Also, don’t forget that Team Edwards Travel is here to assist you with your travel needs.
So, as you plan your vacation trips for 2012, let’s really think about doing our part to support fellow Americans when we travel. Who owns that hotel or condo that you will be staying in? Are you buying your gas from a domestic company or a multinational company that takes the money overseas? Do you really need to buy that imported junk…I mean, treasure… at the souvenir shop? I am sure that there are locally produced crafts that are worth considering.
After you read the rest of the blog, you will know what to do.
I cannot take credit for the rest of the blog, but I also don’t know who to credit for this great work. I hope you enjoy it and you take the time to think about how you are going to handle your spending this coming year. When we travel abroad, we do spend our dollars on other places that do not benefit American workers. When we travel throughout the US, we can support the American workers. Do we support the local stores and diners where we are visiting, rather than a multinational chain store or eatery? Keep these thoughts in mind as you read the following article, and while you travel and enjoy our beautiful country this coming year.
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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 shirt box, wrapped in imported 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 plunking down the Benjamins on a foreign 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 or gal?
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 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 other countries 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 if you wish or post it to discussion groups, throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city or 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?
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Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!
As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you. Check out the important links below.
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