“Small, simple things like a Christmas tree can make people look like this and make something big,” Sue McLean said on a summer December day.
McLean, a mother of four, is in charge of a recent vacation hotspot on the beach in North Street.
“Last year, we hung it on the ground like an umbrella, expecting the best,” he said of the lone Christmas tree sitting in the sand. It was originally considered an egg for his family photos.
“It ended up being a very popular thing, and tons of people are coming to take their family photos,” McLevy said. “Everyone started to drop bombs and gunfire and people started putting up their names and greetings.”
She felt compelled to bring the tree back for the 2020 holiday season, especially in light of the current COVID-19 epidemic. With the power of social media, neighbors and tourists alike are coming to terms.
“A lot of people said the epidemic was going to take them back to the old tradition,” said David Stout of Ocean City.
Grabbing a bucket of water, Stout would come to the beach once a day. He washes his hands and knees, and every seaweed that adorns the base of the tree.
“I am the caretaker of the Christmas tree,” he said. “I went down every day and cleaned the bombs and passed on all the congratulations and memories to the people.”
Stout enjoys meeting families and coming forward to take their holiday photos.
“It’s great to be a part of the Ocean City community,” he said.
That community shines throughout the year. Although it is known as a summer vacation spot, Ocean City puts on a show for the holidays. The city is adorned from head to toe with decorations and garlands. Free horse-drawn carriage rides are offered on selected weekends in December. In addition, various family-owned businesses and boardwalk shops will be open with security measures.
“Things are always going on here, which is great,” said Sue McLean.
This includes more Christmas trees on beaches such as 21st Street and 55th Street in Ocean City. Other coastal communities such as the Sea Isle and Wentner are also planting holiday excitement amid the waves.
To learn more about Ocean City’s holiday events, visit their website.
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