Christmas traditions live on through the hype

Christmas today is nothing like it was a few decades ago. Although the holiday has always been very special to me, I’ve watched as the focus has changed over the years.

Commercialization is perhaps the biggest change, as holiday shopping has become a really big deal. Black Friday (which now extends throughout December) and Cyber Monday all take aim at us to spend money. There is also Free Shipping Day, Travel Tuesday and in jest, Super/Panic Saturday, which is Dec. 24.

Tanger Outlets, Walmart and other big-box stores (like Lowe’s, Best Buy and Home Depot) changed our shopping habits by offering just about everything anyone would want at one location.

The numbers are mind-boggling. Americans will spend nearly $960 billion this Christmas season, which is 30% of all retail sales for the entire year.

When I was a kid, we had to travel to Salisbury, Md., or Dover to shop for Christmas gifts.

Online shopping has impacted, but not totally destroyed, visits to local stores, which have their own Shop Small Saturday. Last year, 60% of people did their shopping online. I much prefer roaming in and out of our great local stores in downtown Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

I remember one year I got a skateboard and some clothes, and I was happy. Today’s children have long lists with expensive toys and tech products. Cellphones have to be among the top gifts on most kids’ wish lists.

There was a time when people did most of their shopping in or near their hometowns, and visits to stores such as Western Auto, Woolworth’s, Montgomery Ward, Sears and even Toys “R” Us are but memories today. Waller’s Men’s Store in Laurel was a favorite place to shop.

Before the large stores came along, people were content to purchase gifts locally. Fortunately, that is still possible in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Second Street in Lewes is turned into a winter wonderland of lights and magnificent window decorations. Although the hardware, 5&10 and pharmacy are only memories, other specialty shops offer a wide variety of great Christmas gifts such as toys, clothing, pet needs, books, decor, flowers, Lewes items, collectibles, antiques and much more. And within walking distance there are more shops. And after a busy day of shopping, you have an assortment of great restaurants to choose from.

Two of my favorite stores are Shore Marketplace on Route 1 and The Brush Factory on Kings Highway in Lewes. Both shops offer locally made items of every description. We need to support our local artisans and crafts people.

Rehoboth Beach has dozens of great specialty stores spread along Rehoboth Avenue. I really like strolling down Penny Lane and walking the aisles at Browseabout Books. Rehoboth also has several hidden gems that you can discover with a walk down the avenue.

The traditions remain

Most of the Christmas traditions have remained, even if they are a little modified. A recent national poll revealed that 75% of parents in the U.S. relive the same traditions they had as a child.

Visiting Santa Claus to tell him your wishes, gift giving, decorating, family dinners, getting up early Christmas morning and attending church services on Christmas Eve are still an important part of the holiday.

Many Sussex churches offer inspiring Christmas Eve candlelight services. Attending one at St. George's Chapel near Lewes is like a step back in time. The church was founded in 1794, had some additions and was restored in 1966.

One of the great modifications is the emphasis on helping others. Growing up, we put money in the Salvation Army kettle, and that was about it when it came to helping those in need.

Today, there are dozens upon dozens of worthwhile Christmas-time drives to collect food, toys and clothing for those in need.

People in Sussex County are very generous when it comes to volunteering their time and supporting worthwhile organizations.

I’m in awe of the volunteers who take time away from their own families to help others.

In my other life before my move to this side of the county, I was heavily involved in those charity drives. One of my fondest Christmas memories involves a little girl and a coat drive. We collected hundreds upon hundreds of coats for Seaford charities. For some reason, I picked up one coat because I saw a little slip of paper hanging out of the pocket. Inside the pocket was an envelope of money from this little girl who had emptied her piggy bank. The note said she wanted us to give the money to someone who needed it more than she did. That little girl turned out to be my niece, Carreen Waller Kouts. Even though that was almost 40 years ago, I still get choked up when I recall that heartwarming story.

As long as we keep the reason for the season in our hearts, Christmas will survive and thrive in spite of outside influences.