How important is it to support your local business this holiday? This is written after Black Friday, so perhaps you are done with your shopping at a superstore. However, do you associate Thanksgiving with shopping? Are you more worried about holiday shopping than what each holiday really means to you? Read on...
I ask the above questions to myself this holiday season. I usually spend many days buying and wrapping gifts for Christmas every year. This year, I decided to change my behavior to change my kids' behavior. My tweens were more excited about Black Friday shopping than Thanksgiving. I simply blame myself.
We used to buy stocking stuffers from huge superstores. They carried cheap, small and light stuff that would last one season and then break. We had a lot of people on our list, and we felt that we had to buy something for everyone. We still managed to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars every Christmas buying small junk for everyone. Most were not made in USA, and we obviously contributed to our trade deficit problem.
Once I read an article by a writer whose house was filled with 'stuff' that were made in China. When she tried to buy some consumer products that were made in USA, she found herself visiting handful of stores without success (like coffeemaker) or found the items (some tools) too expensive to afford. We worry about our present economy and jobs and our children's future, but it is not enough to worry. We should do something about it.
United States manufactures plenty of things, such as aircraft, missiles, space equipments, big tractors, and farming equipment, according to SFGate.com on 2/17/2009. However, those are made by big companies, and those big companies profit and profit well. What about small companies, small businesses and mom&pop operations? They suffer tremendously because they cannot compete with China and other countries that can somehow afford lower pay for their workers. Whether the problem is underpaying their citizens, price fixing, or manipulating currencies, the end result is that we have massive trade deficit.
Someone may say that we still do fine as a country, but the middle class is shrinking, in case you have not noticed...?
I do not blame Chinese or anyone else. They have kids to feed also. It ultimately is our government's responsibility. We chose the politicians to do the best thing for us. I am not going to make this a political article. But, what can we do to help our economy? I say, 'buy made in USA', but that's because I live in USA. It would be 'made in Canada' for Canadians, 'made in Australia' for Australians. If you live in Texas, I mean, 'made in Texas'. And, if Houston is your home, I mean Houston economy.
Forget stockings and stuffers. If you reside in a warm area during the holiday season, visit your local farmer's market and make baskets of fresh fruits/veggies/cookies/other goodies. You may have to wait close to the holiday to shop and make the baskets, but you are definitely helping your local business.If you already have stockings, fill them with one or two handmade items from local artisans. It really is not about quantity. Don't forget to write, "handmade in...". Most will appreciate the quality and your intention.Send a nice homemade holiday card if you did not have a good year financially. We all know what it is like, all over the globe, and sending a warm and sincere wish is far more meaningful than stuffing cheap stuff that make your gifts look big.If you decide to send gift cards, consider them from local stores or something local workers can benefit. My favorites are local restaurant gift cards. Even if you buy gift cards from a national franchise, they hire chefs and waiters and workers from your local area.If you have time and talent, buy raw materials and make stuff on your own. Most people don't need any more stuff, but nice handmade and unique items are always appreciated.I love homemade coupons that are from kids, friends, and families. Can you tutor my child for 1 hour if you are a good tutor? I will bake my famous pies for you.If you decide to buy the cheap merchandise, buy from your local mom and pop stores and pay extra dollar, instead of going to big superstores. Even if the gifts are not made locally, you are helping your local business.Consider US (or your equivalent) Savings Bond or Stock Certificates.
Well, holidays are here, and what are we going to do about that? There are a number of ways you can save your money and help your local business this holiday. Try it, and you just may like it a lot!
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Mi. Thomas
Economics Article FeedFind More ArticlesSearchSimilar ArticlesBuy Handmade - It Really Does Matter!Top 5 Holiday Jobs For 13 Year Olds & YoungerMy Bathroom Smells Great - Thanks to a 15 Year Old Bar of Herbal SoapBeing in BeijingNicaragua - The Undiscovered CountryRecent ArticlesHow To Solve The Homeless SituationProgressivism Isn't Progress, VIIIHow Secure Is Your "Secure" Job?A True Comparison Of Increasing Debt Between Bush And Obama AdministrationsHow To Compete With ChinaWould Einstein Think Us Insane?What Will Happen If Greece Defaults?A Cluster of (Minor) ErrorsThe US Recovery Is Producing SurprisesA Sigh Of Relief For The Economic Status Of The USSubmitted On November 28, 2011. Viewed 0 times. Word count: 765.MLA Style Citation:Thomas, Mi.".".28 Nov. 2011EzineArticles.com.26 Jan. 2012
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