Holiday issue is ho ho here!

I love Ocean City in November. The crowds have diminished, the beach is still fab, and Downtown is getting ready for its holiday close-up. If Hallmark ever needs a location for its next Christmas movie, Asbury Avenue is ready. The decorated storefronts, twinkling lights, horse-and-carriage rides, and shoppers strolling with coffee in hand.
And then there’s Santa on the roof of City Hall. Only in Ocean City do we kick off the Christmas season by putting Santa on a roof and sending the fire department to get him down. It’s one of my favorite traditions.
We’ve got plenty of holiday spirit in this issue, including 12 ideas for Christmas and a story on Project Thanksgiving, which shows just how much good happens when our community comes together.
I spent a late summer afternoon on the Boardwalk with social media star Chalie Castaldo, known for his cast of characters, including the unforgettable Diane. We grabbed Manco & Manco pizza, stopped for Kohr Bros., and even rode the Double Shot. It was my first time on the ride, and I can’t wait to go again. Read Chalie’s story on page 44.
We’re also sharing the story of the creative Napolitano family who turned a table into a tribute to Ocean City, painting it with their favorite island spots. It’s now the centerpiece of family game nights, with plenty of OC personality.
This month’s In the Kitchen visits Chester’s Pastry Pantry in Somers Point, a local institution known for its donuts and amazing gingerbread creations. If you know Chester’s, you know.
As we close out another year, thank you to our readers for picking us up and sharing our stories, and to our advertisers for supporting this magazine and making it all possible. We appreciate you.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
See you on the beach,