New Hampshire is a lovely welcoming state, which is adjoined to the also welcoming liberal state of Vermont. What is different about these two small states is that they lack diversity when compared to other states in the Union. While living in a town with 3 colleges gives more local diversity and culture, over all the area is for the most part white.

Now, the town in Vermont where I worked was known as an area welcoming to lesbian families. Before gay marriage Vermont offered gay unions. One reason many lesbian families claim they moved here is that they did not want their child to be the only child with two mothers at school. There are many people also very proud of their French Canadian heritage. There is a large Finnish population that has what I call “Finnish Fun Days” where everyone can enjoy the culture.

I grew up in the Washington DC area with a very diverse population, so adjusting to the lack of African Americans was especially jolting to me. But, I made sure my own children visited family living back in DC for a look at how most of the US looks and lives, and even the school celebrated Black History Month every year. There is a huge tie in between the Civil Rights Movement and New England. One local, Jonathan Daniels, was murdered while helping the movement and is one of two Saints in the Church of England from the US. One is Dr.Martin Luther King. So the study of the history of the North in slave owning and work to later help end slavery and Civil Rights work, is very important even in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Now, one issue is that after Christmas, the local stores have a lot of left over Black Santas.

The stores are chain stores, and they get a specific number based on perhaps population? It isn’t that people dislike Black Santa, and certainly there are families with diversity that purchase Santa that is not pale white from living at the North Pole.

Currently the Santa’s are about 70% off. I want to get one of the large toy soldiers for my decor as I’m happy to be living on a street with many newer immigrants. I want to show we’re a welcoming area, as well as not pay $499 for a giant toy soldier. I do hope leftover Santa’s find a good home, and not just a dumpster as shown on Youtube. Santa is a folk figure, shown in a large variety of variations. So, I hope there is no general dislike or attacks on a Santa that is reflective of the citizens of our nation.