Make it happen??

~ As Christmas approaches, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide NZers with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of NZ labour.

This year CAN be different. This year NZers CAN give the gift of genuine concern for other NZers. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by NZ 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 NZ 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 NZ-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 dollars on a Chinese-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway cleaned, or games at the local golf course.

There are thousands of 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 place.

Remember, folks this isn't about big national chains -- this is about supporting your home town NZers 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 garage run by the NZ working man or woman?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for your mother? Mother would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. Some computers could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young man who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people knit, make jewellery, soft toys, hand-made books and beautiful boxes and accessories.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your waiter a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your nearest 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 lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, rubbish man or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining NZ pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about NZ, encouraging NZ small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other NZers, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new NZ Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list - post it to discussion groups - send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?