Birth of a New Tradition - Christmas 2011

I RECEIVED THIS AS AN EMAIL AND I WANTED TO SHARE, BECAUSE IT IS THE BEST THING I HAVE READ IN A WHILE AND IS WHAT I THINK EVERYONE NEEDS TO CONSIDER.

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 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.

There are a gazillion 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 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.

Costumes

Here are some samples of costumes I made when my children were little. They were so much fun to make. I handed them down to my nieces to wear and I did not receive them back, therefore I can not pass them down. Thank goodness for scanners so I have my pictures saved to digital format. The pumpkin in the first picture with the pumpkin doll is my daughter. Her baby had to have a costume too!

Skeleton Cake

I made this Red Velvet Cake and put cream cheese in the middle. I sprinkled powdered sugar on it afterwards. My Step-daughter's birthday is today and they are coming for dinner tonight after our grand baby goes trick-or-treating. It is my blood cake for Halloween birthday! By the way, there is no secret to how it is made. I bought the Milton mold and because of price I will be making skeletons for the rest of my life. If you live near, you are welcome to borrow it for your children or grandchildren! : ) Buttons

Halloween Costume

This is my oldest daughter 20 years ago in a costume my mother made me, 48 years ago. My next daughter also wore it. But the really special thing about this costume is my brother also wore it AND a nurse at my father's clinic three children wore it. I am saving it for my two daughters to pass down to their children.

Painted Pumpkin

This IS NOT my idea, I painted it from memory from seeing on line. I love the look because you can carry it on into November. If any one knows the link to this please let me know. I want the person to get credit for the original idea. I am not so good at free hand drawing, but I gave it my best shot. Probably, I should stick to textiles, but you gotta try a little of a lot! Here's another side.

Razorback Pumpkin

I got to thinking with these craft pumpkins, I could turn one on its side and make a Razorback pumpkin by adding the hog nose. I purchased a hog nose $3.00 (a little expensive) and pumpkins were half price at Michael's and spray painted the pumpkin red. I hot glue gunned the nose on and painted some black on it to give it some character. I then took a pipe cleaner I use on my sewing machine for lint. I bent it in half and twisted around a pencil. I then cut a small hole in the back side and stuck it in and hot glued it to stay. The rest of the pumpkin I painted horns and teeth, front legs and hooves, then black shadow stripes kinda like hog hair. The pumpkin is now in my daughters apartment at the University of Arkansas. Lookin' Good! They can display it all year round. Thanks for looking! Woooo Pig Sooie :o) JodieT

Witch Pumpkin

I got this idea browsing an advertisement in a magazine in the grocery store. Last week I was at Michaels and purchased a couple of pumpkins and thought I would try this out. Our three grandchildren will be here for Halloween weekend so I thought I better get started decorating. I haven't decorated much since my girls were much younger. They are now 23 and the other will be 20 in December. My Step-children are 35 and 33. They are the ones with the little ones.

This is a craft pumpkin I painted so it will have to remain inside. If weather permits I will put it out front. I think it is kinda fun and crafty. Are you painting pumpkins for Halloween? JodieT