A Special Christmas Message

It’s a tradition in our last newsletter before Christmas to forego the product pitches for our annual holiday message. Here it is:

Christmas is a holiday celebrating a great gift and the sharing of that gift with all mankind. It’s a time when we’re all especially generous, particularly in acts of charity. Sadly, however, there those who prefer to use our caring and giving nature as an opportunity to turn a profit.

You know what I’m talking about–those seemingly oh-so-caring pitches from businesses offering to donate some small fraction of every dollar they make from you. Later you’ll see them boasting how they’ve helped “those in need” as if they had volunteered their own time and money rather than a small portion of the profit you gave to them. Sure it’s nice that these businesses are helping this cause or that, but the reality is if they were really interested in doing something good, they’d be asking you to contribute directly to the charity rather than using a feel-good marketing ploy to get you to buy their stuff.

With that in mind, I’d like to ask you a small holiday favor that doesn’t involve selling or buying anything.

Rather than succumbing to this crass commercialization of holiday generosity, do this: Choose a charity, a cause, a neighbor, a family member, a complete stranger — whoever or whatever you want — and do something special. Donate money or a needed item, contribute your time, or just perform a little act of simple kindness.

Then… Don’t tell anyone you did it. Make it your secret holiday gift.

If we all just commit one quiet, unannounced act of goodness this season (two or three acts if you like), the impact will be far greater and more meaningful than all of the goodwill we can possibly buy through marketing pitches and store sales.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and warmest regards to you and yours this holiday season.

The American Homestead Mercantile Family