Paula, I think we all need to appreciate local businesses and create relationships with them. Even if the business closes, those small business owners may need a contact and you could be that contact. Think of the fable of the Lion and the Mouse, they may come back and help you out in the future.

Mother Nature, thanks for that info. I read an article a while back that talked about who most people would be tipping and why. I thought it interesting that many of them that were surveyed were tipping professionals that I would never ever consider tipping. I think these tips are great, thank you for sharing.

I live in a small town with a nice downtown shopping district near a major metropolitan area. The smaller shops are continually churning: some close, some open. It’s my hope that our local population will start to appreciate the nature of our small shops and come to cultivate relationships similar to the types of which you speak.

It is nice to say Thank You to those who serve you during the holiday season but don’t go over budget or go into debt to do it.

And last night, you know where you could find us

I lived in that town too Mom, and the people hadn’t changed. There were still some that didn’t like me just because of your parents and vice versa.

I had thought about sending a card with thanks to the Garcias wait staff. They never fail to impress.

You know I grew up in a town where everyone knew each other and those who liked you gave good service with a smile and those who didn’t like you were grouchy just because they didn’t like you or your dad or mom. I still get that reaction when I go “home” and people know who I am. But I have noticed in big cities some people act like they know and care about you even if they don’t know you. It is alot like the Southern Hospitality mentioned earlier. When we lived in New Mexico everyone acted like they knew me and wanted to be of service. Sometimes I wondered what they knew that I didn’t. Looking back, I think it helps to be friendly with them and they feel comfortable being friendly back.

Maybe you shoud plan to do something nice for those people at Garcias for the holidays: a gift certificate, a thank you card, or a small token of appreciation. We recieve a card each Christmas from someone here that we don’t know, but it is nice to know someone appreciates our business.

Ashley, I’m technically Texan too and I agree!

Craig, thats a great saying. It really is our relationships that help us grow and become better people. It’s almost Christmas and I can’t help but think of old Scrooge..