Make it a Canadian Christmas - Please

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. 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? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health 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 spending large 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 some 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. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. Or, why not go out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too. Find a venue showcasing local bands. How many people could 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. 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. 
               This holiday shouldn’t be about big National chains. This holiday should be about supporting your hometown Canadian with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. Christmas should no longer be about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city.
               Christmas must now be about caring about each other. Encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. When we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. Make this our new Canadian Christmas tradition. Be part of this holiday revolution. Canadians caring about each other. Let's all make it a very merry Canadian Christmas, Please !