~ Christmas 2011 ~

Birth of a New Tradition

 

    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 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 plonking down the Benjamines 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.

   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?

   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 movie, 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 Chinese 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 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 of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

 

(Original author unknown)

 

 

Merry Christmas From

Glenns Ferry, Idaho

 

Christmas Lights Line 1st Avenue

 

   

 

Glenns Ferry Visitors Center – “Pioneer Square”

 

   

 

   

Gramma Gianelli’s Bakery

 

   

                  Carmela Winery, Restaurant, & Lounge                                            JW Electronics

 

   

                               Fudge Factory Grill                                                       Rural Telephone Company

 

  

 

  

Hometown Hardware

 

  

                          Pioneer Federal Credit Union                                             Pot Pourri Beauty Salon

 

 

Three Island Real Estate

 

  

                                  Main Street Garage                                                        Southside Market

 

  

                             Campell Tractor                                                                Hanson Café & Motel

 

Merry Christmas From

Hagerman, Idaho

 

  

Hagerman RV Village

   

 

 

 

Merry Christmas From

Buhl, Idaho

  

Les Schwab Tire Center

 

 

Country Flowers Main Street

 

Merry Christmas From

Wendell, Idaho

 

 

Simerly’s (Grocery & Sporting Goods)

 

Merry Christmas From

Fairfield, Idaho

 

 

                                                                                                                      City Hall

 

 

Wrangler

 

 

                                                   S & L Commodities                                                              Jim Dandy’s

 

Merry Christmas From

Shoshone, Idaho

 

2nd Time Around / Whistle Stop

 

Ace Hardware

 

 

                                       Ann’s Auto                                                           Golden Years Senior Center

 

McFall Hotel

 

Bozuttos

 

 

                                     Veronica’s Tacos                                                               Norland’s Home

 

Nyssa Nite Lite Christmas Parade

 “A Red, White and Blue Christmas”

Nyssa Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas From

Mountain Home, Idaho

   

(Above photos from El-Wyhee Hi-Lites newspaper, December 2007)

 

2011 Christmas Parade of Lights

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

Railroad Park Christmas Displays

 

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

Happy Holidays from:

 

  

Mountain Home RV Park

 

   

Jackson Street Sweets

 

   

Stoecker Jewelers

 

   

                       VA Mortgage Center of Idaho                                  Fitness First & Fitness First Co-Ed

 

   

                                    Dental Center                                                                      Jade Palace

 

  

                         Mountain Home City Hall                                                         Tech Auto Body

 

  

                                      Manhattan Café                                                                 Idaho Team Sports

 

 

Lanes Appliance

 

 

Jims Lumber & Building Supply

 

  

                            Sidewayz Beauty Parlor                                                  Cristobal Construction Inc.

 

    

The Phoenix Storybook Co.

 

  

TLK Farms

 

    

Edward Jones, American Legion Blvd.

 

 

    

Golden Crown Restaurant, American Legion Blvd

 

 

  

                                      Sunset C Store                                                               El-Wyhee Hi-Lites

 

 

ELMORE COUNTY PRESS & EL-WYHEE HI-LITES

PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR HOMETOWN BUSINESSES