Letter from the Editor

GIVE BACK

Do you love the holidays? Now, I’m not your putting-up-my-tree-the-day-after-Halloween friend, but there are so many things to love about this time of year. The brisk air, the potential for a snow storm (and for leaving footprints along the Boardwalk and beach in the snow), cookies, candles, carols, movies, football, soup, gift giving, gift getting, giving back… There are so many ways in and around Ocean City to make that last one happen. From the Food Cupboard and Mew to You to Oh Sea Thrift and the Clothes Closet, there are always ways to give back to the community. If you love plays and theater, consider donating to the Ocean City Theatre Company. If preserving history is important to you, donate to the Ocean City Historical Museum or Life Saving Station. It’s fun to make it a family experience, by letting each member choose a place to support.

Speaking of family experiences… in Ocean City, some of the sweetest events of the year happen in these last two months. And I swear there is magic in the air here. If you’ve been in front of the great stone steps at City Hall when they’re filled with carolers reveling in the spirit of the season, then you know what I mean. There’s a sparkle here… from old Saint Nick standing on City Hall’s roof against cobalt blue sky to horse and carriage rides clip clopping down Asbury and so much more.

In this issue, we capture a wee bit of that island magic in these pages. Turn to page 15 for two playlists to help bring the joy of this season into your days with words and music.

For another way to spread the cheer, flip to Just Brew It on page 49. Laura Adams Stiansen takes us on a tour of local breweries. Grab a few friends and make an afternoon of it. That’s what the Famished Foodies did when they hit up Asbury Avenue for a multi-stop food and drink tour along the Downtown. Find it on page 12. Finally, find our super sized gift guide on page 52 featuring items available locally for home, body, and mind. This has been a year… so let’s embrace the magic of the season, give in to good times, spread joy and a whole lot of love.

Cheers,

Stef Godfrey (that's my middle child Finn and me at the North Street tree last year)

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