Reminisce, Smile and Shop Local

Reminisce, Smile and Shop Local

Reminiscing. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately trying to conjure good memories to get my mind off of the current status of our country. Sometimes I think that reminiscing is the only way that I am going to keep my sanity. So, I started thinking of past Christmas’s. I haven’t personally, put up a Christmas tree since 2006. Sometimes I say “bah humbug” who needs a tree and to deal with the mess that comes with it. Don’t get me wrong, I love decorating for holidays. I have a snowman collection that I used to leave out all year long because they put a smile on my face. I haven’t been doing a lot of smiling lately when I see the news and what is happening all around us. I need to smile again. A lot of us do.

As Gettysburg starts to transition and open for business there is one place that I think I need to go first to make me smile – The Christmas Haus at 13 Baltimore Street. That should get me back in the holiday spirit instead of being such a Grinch! When you walk in The Christmas Haus you are transported to Christmas in Germany (hint, the spelling of Haus vs House). Each year, Roger Lund, owner of The Christmas Haus travels to Germany to work directly with the finest German artisans to bring you the most beautiful handmade items. Whether it be authentic German Nutcrackers, Beer Steins, various handcrafted wood items, mouth-blown glass ornaments or pewter music boxes you are sure to feel the magic of Christmas and Germany in each item. It doesn’t just stop at Christmas. The Christmas Haus also caters to other holidays and events as well. You’re not just buying a product, you’re buying an heirloom for your family to cherish for generations.

It is ironic that I write about being a Grinch since part of my role as a GARMA board member is pulling Christmas together in downtown Gettysburg. Maybe that 32 foot tree that stands in our center square from Black Friday to New Year’s should satisfy my need of getting into the holiday spirit, but with no fuss or muss at home. The tree, the wreaths, Santa and his Shanty and so much more do warm my heart around the holidays. I love the look and feel of Christmas in Gettysburg. I love the shopping experience with so many stores offering so many unique items. The diversity of the shops and restaurants in Gettysburg is abundant. I can’t think of too many reasons to leave our town to satisfy my shopping needs or my palette.

Shop local and support a local business owner’s dream. If you’d like to find out more about what GARMA does in the community and how we support local business and growth, visit www.gettysburgretailmerchants.com.

​Jennie Dillon is the Vice President of GARMA, owner of Artworks on York St and Events Manager at Gettysburg Rental Center

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