Christmas Magic on Fripp Island

Christmas Magic came in an unexpected way to Fripp Island this year. In February of 2020, Danny and Melissa Eck, of California, solid their house and belongings, packed up their kids (Paisley 9, Asher 6, and Tanner 4) to travel and give their kids an experience seeing the world. Two weeks after they started their journey, the global pandemic hit the United States, and their adventure was slightly altered. After making their way across the country, The Eck Family found themselves immersed and captivated by our little slice of paradise: Fripp Island.

When speaking with Melissa, she said the plan was to visit small remote spots every 30 days and move on to a new adventure in a new location. However, every time they found themselves nearing their end on Fripp, none of them were ready to leave.

While they have been here, they have fully immersed themselves in the activities the island has had to offer. While they may do the same things every day, Melissa says that “it’s always a new experience, and discovery. The kids have gone fishing, and Paisley learned to Cast Net fish out on the beach. The sense of community here is amazing.

The Eck family has a motto: “Live the Happiest Life you can live.” The world is full of good people, and in such a difficult time, their oldest Paisley set out to bring some happiness and cheer to others this Christmas Season. She and her family believe that if you have the means and capabilities to bring joy into other’s people lives, then you should do it.

This bright, bubbly, positive 9-year-old who loves to sing, draw and play with her brothers says, “you always have to look on the bright side of every situation.” She found herself collecting seashells and turning them into jewelry dishes to be sold. But here is the catch, when she went to her mom about the idea, it included that all the proceeds (100%) go to adopt a family for Christmas.

Paisley put the word out, and as of today, November 20th, she has sold/received donations enough to adopt not one family BUT FIVE! Every single family member is involved in this! Dad, mom, and Paisley are busy making the dishes, and the two younger brothers are having fun playing Santa’s elf for deliveries. Of course, they are all taking all precautions for social distancing and safety.

Melissa said, “She and Danny are overwhelmed by the generosity they have seen. But also, it’s been amazing to see the response from people about this project. People tell us stories about who they are giving it to or how it will remind them of Paisley and the purpose of the project. I think we are bringing more than just Christmas Cheer and Magic to others who need it; I think Paisley and this project has put some magic back into the homes on Fripp here as well.” You can be a renter like us and still feel like it’s home.”

All the orders for her oyster jewelry dishes will be completed by December 1st. Paisley will be doing the shopping for the gifts for each of the families (with the help of Mom and Dad) during the first two weeks in December.

Whatever it is big or small, I think we would agree that this is a new tradition we could all get use to!

Interview with Melissa & Paisley Eck, Contribued By: Erin Pickering