Although I was in retail for many years (yes selling random stuff made in China, but also selling books - if that counts), I love the idea of supporting our local small businesses and entrepreneurs. Read on....
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition
As the holidays approach, the giant factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and merchandise that we don't really need. Do any of us really need one more "thing." We are so rich as a society, so rich as a nation. Even the poorest of us have such wealth in comparison to 90% of the world’s population. We live in the world's wealthiest nation, yet 13 percent of people living in the United States live in poverty. Statistics say that nearly one in four children live in households that struggle to put food on the table.
Ah, but it is the season of giving, let the shopping wars begin. What if this year was just a bit different? What if we include the gift of genuine concern for our neighbors. It's time to think outside the box. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box? Two ideas to consider:
GIVE A GIFT OF SERVICE:
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?
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? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or a foursome to the local golf course.
There are a lots of 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. We’re not talking big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town neighbors 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 local working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. (so would your favorite ministry lead – Ha!!)
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 or selling locally produced music.
As part of celebrating the season, lets encourage American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about our neighbors, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
GIVE A GIFT OF GIVING:
There are lots of worthy organizations who live and die by the donations we give. Have a cat lover in your family – make a donation to the Humane Society in their name instead of buying them yet one more cat statue.
Instead of buying your sister that pink sweater, donate towards finding a cure for Breast Cancer in her name. (or Brain Cancer, or Heart Disease, or….)
How about feeding the hungry or the homeless in someone’s name?
We want to be festive and celebrate the season, but 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. Instead how about leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
GET CREATIVE
Six years ago, when we really needed it, Mick and I received an unexpected check in the mail. It was from a couple in our growth group just reaching out to help make Christmas a little better for us. Six months later when we got on our feet, we used the same amount of money to launch the military minsitry. Each Christmas, Mick and I ask God to put before us a need that has our name on it, a place for us to “spend” our Christmas money. We may have less “stuff” under the tree, but our hearts are filled each year by the people we can reach and the ability to show Gods love.
So whether you support local business or non-profit organizations this Christmas, be thoughtful in your gift-giving. This is a time for caring about each other, as God cared about each and every one of us, and isn't that what the Christmas message is all about?
