Being able to live at the beach has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. The endless sun, salty air, and friendly people are what I have grown up around and where I plan to raise my future family. Of course, the beach in the summertime is unbeatable. The beach days, boat rides and days where it feels like the sun has truly been out forever (in the best way possible). However, as amazing and fun as it is during the summer, the holiday season is even better.

You should see what happens when island locals feel the usual 90-degree weather drop even slightly below 65. We go crazy! The second we feel a chill in the air, out comes the decorations, holiday menu specials, and cheerful music. Sometimes I feel like the places that are summertime cold don't get as excited when the months turn to winter because there isn't a big change in the temperature. However, in Wrightsville Beach, you will never see so much excitement when the air finally turns a little chilly. I swear this town has more holiday spirit than anything else I've seen.

Another popular holiday-season favorite is all of the holiday parades. One of my favorite parts of spending the holidays at home just so happens to one of Wrightsville Beach's summertime traditions: Flotilla! Why have a parade on foot when you can have one on the water? The Flotilla is an on-water parade contest where boats compete for the trophy by seeing who can deck their boats out with the biggest and brightest lights, music and costumes. Spectators lay out blankets and watch the parade on any bridge, dock, or even kayak they can find. The parade ends with some of the biggest and most beautiful fireworks you will ever see.

Last but not least, one of the best things I can say about living on the beach during the holidays is the beach itself. There is just something different about walking on the cold sand, barefoot, all bundled up with friends and family that you don't get to see every day. It is one of the most peaceful, serene and humbling things to do during one of the happiest times of the year.

Just writing this has gotten me so excited for the holiday season and to be spending it at home, my favorite place in the world. If you get a chance, I highly recommend making a trip down to Wrightsville Beach and getting a glimpse of it during the winter time. It is truly something that you will never forget.