Reply With QuoteWoah. That reeks of propaganda. I'm pretty sure China is not the only country that exports to australia. Would have been a good article minus the Anti-China Propaganda.
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Something to think about this Christmas
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Australians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Australian labour. This year will be different. This year Australians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Australians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by Australian 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 Australian 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, Australian 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 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 Australian 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 Australian working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mum? Mum 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 jewellery, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes, visit your local Sunday markets.
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 Australian pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging Australian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Australians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new Australian Christmas tradition.
Administrator
Woah. That reeks of propaganda. I'm pretty sure China is not the only country that exports to australia. Would have been a good article minus the Anti-China Propaganda.
Moderator
Was this originally an American article??? That would explain the heavy handed anti-Chinese rhetoric and Americanisms. Also, the big National chains are huge employers. Don't support them and jobs disappear.
I do like the idea of shopping locally though
Registered User
yeh it probably was an american rant email
Moderator
Some good ideas in there though! I'm a big fan of practical, useful gifts
Especially if someone wants to "gift" me a cleaner
Registered User
Certainly does give you something to think about and also some good practical ideas! I love getting local hand-made stuff and vouchers for experiences rather than plastic rubbish.
Another good idea is a hamper of local produce, wines etc to support the local farmers and vineyards.
Registered User
There are some great ideas there.
Registered User
Instead of christmas light, buy colored paper bags, fill with sand and put a candle in them. Line your driveway and light on Christmas eve. We do that here.
Registered User
Great ideas.
Another thing you can do is go to a local art gallery and buy some original local art (or make it yourself). One of the best gifts that DD ever got was from one of my friends who gave her two paintings that she had done herself. They are still up on DD's wall .
Registered User
We rarely if ever do Christmas gifts, because I HATE commercialism, local or not. But then again I hate commercialism every day of the year. We often buy second hand items for birthday gifts, about 90% of the time.
Our Christmas "gifts" to each other, for as long as I can remember now, have been events rather than items. It's about building relationships and memories for us. It's how we aim to live our whole lives... we will never strive to have the best stuff, or the most stuff, or the biggest etc... we will aim to be a loving supporting close knit family. I'm not saying they can't go together, just that this is where our focus is. Family togetherness IS Christmas for us.
Registered User
I'm so glad I'm not the only one that does this. I like finding unique gifts in op shops. So much nicer than just going to a dept store and buying something off the shelf.
Registered User
Love some of the ideas in there..
But what about.. having a Christmas without presents.. (sorry I love Christmas, but I just can't stand the consumerism part of it, and the fact that it is drilled into us all from such a young age..).. it is so hard, but I would love to see people challenging the idea that they even need to go out and buy a tonne of unwanted presents..
There is always oxfam or the like too..
Im no saint and am guilty of the consumerism too, but lately within our family we've just all been exchanging gift vouchers, and then they are used on things that we really do need throughout the year.. so its almost pointless as we are just exchanging gift voucher for gift voucher, but at least we are not wasting money i suppose, we used some of our vouchers towards our food bill this year..
Registered User
I love to buy homemade where I can for any occasion and support a WAHM. I will also be starting a new tradition either this year or next and do a charitable donation (like Fred Hollows) on behalf of people along with a jar of home made cookies or something for the adults. and WILL do a Christmas tree present thing for those less fortunate when my daughters get old enough.
Ithink the article is great but agree its very anti China, we also are heavy on imports from India and other places.
BellyBelly Member
Great ideas here. I might use some for birthdays this year
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