I wrote it in response to a news article requesting reader comments about how to be a more successful and efficient holiday 'Super-Shopper'.
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This is the year to be a LOCAL MATTERS MATTER Super-Shopper.
Create you own simple gifts ...by writing a heartfelt message ...or by drawing a picture ...or by taking a picture of yourself or your loved ones ...or your pets ...or a favorite trail or river. You can include them in a homemade card or add them to another package.
When it comes to 'store-bought' gifts ...seek out LOCAL ARTISTS & ARTISANS ...and support our Southern Appalachian Heritage...by avoiding the lines and the 'LEAD ALERTS' in the toy aisles of nearly every store.
And ...take a moment and THINK about all of the gifts you have purchased in the past 10 years. How many were truly appreciated and used ...and how many ended up in the landfill after breaking or being discarded within months of their purchase?
Children will LOVE receiving just 'a few' gifts ...hand-made of wood or cloth or clay ....and BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME. And ...they will own a piece of their own mountain heritage ....and might pass it on to younger family members ...or to their own children.
This is the year to look at the endless advertising and litany of 'must haves'....take three deep breaths and JUST SAY NO! to 'more excess crap'....and then you can smile and ...JUST SAY YES! to quality hand-made toys and gifts...because...LOCAL MATTERS MATTER!.
Merry Christmas
& Happy Holidays
& Peace ****
Create you own simple gifts ...by writing a heartfelt message ...or by drawing a picture ...or by taking a picture of yourself or your loved ones ...or your pets ...or a favorite trail or river. You can include them in a homemade card or add them to another package.
When it comes to 'store-bought' gifts ...seek out LOCAL ARTISTS & ARTISANS ...and support our Southern Appalachian Heritage...by avoiding the lines and the 'LEAD ALERTS' in the toy aisles of nearly every store.
And ...take a moment and THINK about all of the gifts you have purchased in the past 10 years. How many were truly appreciated and used ...and how many ended up in the landfill after breaking or being discarded within months of their purchase?
Children will LOVE receiving just 'a few' gifts ...hand-made of wood or cloth or clay ....and BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME. And ...they will own a piece of their own mountain heritage ....and might pass it on to younger family members ...or to their own children.
This is the year to look at the endless advertising and litany of 'must haves'....take three deep breaths and JUST SAY NO! to 'more excess crap'....and then you can smile and ...JUST SAY YES! to quality hand-made toys and gifts...because...LOCAL MATTERS MATTER!.
Merry Christmas
& Happy Holidays
& Peace ****
