Christmas 2011 – Birth of a New Tradition
By Scott Formo
As the holidays approach, the Glenwood Chamber encourages you to put more of an emphasis on giving gifts of genuine concern from our local area businesses, organizations, and the people who own, operate, or volunteer for them. As we gear up for the 2nd Annual Magical Christmas in Glenwood, please keep in mind our newest campaign and remember to “Keep It Local.”
For some, it may be time to think outside the box… Who says a gift needs to fit into a shirt box, wrapped in fancy paper? I for one love to wrap things in different boxes just for the element of surprise when it’s opened and hate it when people snoop and can figure out what’s in the gift before it’s opened. Just because it’s a shirt box doesn’t mean that a shirt is in the box... although sometimes it is…
Everyone, yes EVERYONE, gets their hair cut, colored, permed or styled at some point in time. How about a gift certificate from your local area hair salon or barber shop? Most people, yes MOST, are concerned about their health and fitness. How about a local area fitness center membership? That’s an appropriate and useful gift for all ages who might be thinking about healthy lifestyles or thinking ahead to what their New Year’s resolutions might be… maybe even give them an added incentive to fulfill the resolution in 2012!
Who doesn’t appreciate their vehicles these days? Ever thought about a gift certificate for oil changes, gasoline, or other car products or services? Are you one of those extravagant givers who think of plunking down some bigger dollars for a gift? Perhaps that generous gift giver would like to surprise someone with a driveway plowed or sidewalk shoveled all winter, games at the local golf course this coming spring, something towards that home fix-up project with some building materials, maybe even a new or used car? How about a gift certificate for a lake cruise on our local area cruise lines for next summer to bring some enjoyment to family, friends, or others that may not live in the area, or possibly even a night/weekend away at one of the local area resorts, hotels, or campgrounds?
For those that value heritage, cultural, or antique gifts, don’t forget about the local shops that provide those types of gifts. There are a bazillion restaurants out there, not quite as many in Pope County Pope County
My computer always is doing something out of the ordinary and I KNOW that there is at least one guy who is local that can repair or replace it if needed. Office and school supplies are always something that is needed (Not that kids would like more notebooks, pens, or pencils…. but they WOULD USE THEM if they received them…). Cellular phones, accessories, and all those fancy electronic gadgets and games can be found locally (which I know WOULD make many youth much happier than some of the other gifts that we sometimes choose to give)!
I best not forget about nature, the arts, and sporting events… What did people do before the X-Box, DVD’s, and Internet? Go for walks, play at the park, fish, hunt, ride a bike… What about a more personal gift such as an engraved paver that can be placed in one of the Lake Walk
You see, Christmas shouldn’t be about giving the biggest, most expensive gifts you can find, although I know that we ALL tend to find enjoyment in giving some of those also and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes is that little “extra” that will make a difference to someone we might know. Sometimes that simple “Thank You” or slightly larger tip for your server, babysitter, trash collector, postal worker, meter reader, etc. may bring a little extra satisfaction their way. How about a larger than normal donation to the collection plate at church, a donation to the area food shelf or local charity? Maybe even volunteering for one of the area events to be part of making things happen this holiday season… or simply just attending and showing your support?
To me, Christmas is about encouraging the spirit of fellowship with your neighbors, family, and friends and more importantly about CARING… It’s when we begin to show that we care about “Keeping It Local” that we will begin to reap the benefits that come back to us in ways you may not imagine! Think about how supporting our local business owners and operators whose financial lives are on the line. Remembering to “Keep It Local” DOES make a difference and helps to keep dreams alive. Remember, what YOU do TODAY, YOUR KIDS will probably DO TOMORROW.
It takes EVERYONE working together for a common cause that creates those habits that EVERYONE benefits from. By changing some habits or making an emphasis to go just a little bit further than usual, we will begin to lead by example and eventually our actions will become sensational values that can be taught to our area youth, who will someday be the driving force behind our local area businesses, organizations, and tomorrow’s leaders.
Let’s work together to bring a higher significance to OUR traditional values… “Keep It Local” because without that, we may lose what we sometimes take for granted… the very HEART and SOUL of our community – a place where we love to “Work, Shop, Live, & Play”… A place “Where Everyone’s Your Neighbor!”
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and looking forward to another Magical Christmas in Glenwood with many free, family fun events in the coming weeks… Until next week…
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