Nancy Chlarson
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 Chinese-produced wrapping paper?
Everyone – yes, everyone – gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local downtown 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? There is a locally owned detail shop and car wash in downtown Lebanon that 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 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.
Don’t waste money on a cheap Chinese blanket or coffee mug. Take your family photos to Gateway Imprints and have them put on a keepsake lap robe or coffee mug that will have special meaning to the recipient.
Aunt Harriett doesn’t want a kindle she doesn’t understand how to use. Go to the Friends of the Library bookstore at 1242 Main St. in Sweet Home or to Jan’s Books in downtown Lebanon and get her a good old-fashioned paperback for under $3 and it will have trade-in value when she takes it back and gets another one! Or, if she prefers more faith-based reading, Periwinkle Provisions offers such fare at 1101 Main in Sweet Home.
Dad would love a membership in a local sports club, racquetball club, or indoor shooting range. Or how about a gift certificate to one of several sporting goods shops in Sweet Home and downtown Lebanon!
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 downtown 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 or jewelry from Treml’s, whose ads you see in this newspaper.
My computer could use a tune-up. I know Santiam Computers or Discount Computers could do that job.
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 and they will have their wares for sale again this year in downtown Lebanon on the corner of Ash and Main.
Or, in Sweet Home, make a visit to any of the stores in the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Main Street that sell art and crafts, to Lilies and Lovelies at the corner of 12th and Long, or to American Family Video. Out in Foster, visit the Foster Lake Mall.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a movie at your local downtown theater?
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Try Courtney Creek for great music in a family atmosphere, or visit Marks Ridge Winery or the Foster Waterhole – factoring in age considerations, of course.
Honestly, people, do you really need to buy another 10,000 Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a $5 string of lights, about 50 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. Check out downtown Sweet Home and Lebanon for a very special American gift this year and give the gift of survival to the American business owner!
Nancy Chlarson operates Gateway Imprints and Quality Llama Products in Lebanon. She is an active participant in Lebanon downtown revitalization and local business promotion efforts.