Writing the Light: I LOVE the holidays!!

Everything about them - the food, decorations, music, the good cheer. I love the gift-giving, and I even love the gift shopping and buying. However, what I hate is feeling like all of my gift options are foreign-made. Times are tough, everyone is struggling, trying to budget, cut expenses, etc. And even though you may not be spending a lot on Christmas, you'll still be spending something. There are many reasons the economy is in crisis right now, and one of those reasons is the loss of domestic jobs to foreign competition. Well, here's my "good-will" thought for the season -- if you spend your dollars on goods made here, you're helping out your fellow Americans by helping them keep their job and put food on their table...and maybe even a few presents under the tree. On another note, the safety issues with products from China have not been resolved, there are just bigger stories in the news right now. With that in mind, we really need to make the extra effort to buy domestic when possible. I know it seems like a daunting task, so I'm making it easier. There are many resources out there that I've listed below. There is also this wonderful man, Roger Simmermaker, who wrote a wonderful book, "How Americans can Buy American", and takes the time to write email newsletters on the subject. You can view his website for a long list of domestic links, and while you're there, go ahead and purchase a copy of his book for yourself. You'll be amazed at how educational it is.

Here are some links:

One stop shopping:

http://www.madeinusaforever.com/
http://www.buyamerican.com/

http://www.zebulonusa.com/index.asp

http://www.shopforamerica.com/home.php

Toys/items for kids:

http://www.lainaline.com/ - adorable kids clothing

http://www.greatstuffforkids.com/

http://www.toysamerican.com/

http://www.fractiles.com/

http://www.cubbyholetoys.com/

http://www.lindenwoodinc.com/