A BeachnRiver Christmas

I love that whether people believe in the "reason for the season" or they are simply filled with holiday cheer --- Christmas is the one time of year when most people look for ways to play the game of Santa.

Here are some suggestions of how you can play Santa to thank some hard working and (often overlooked) members of the community.

1) Write a Thank You Card to the Social Media Department Behind the Alabama Gulf Coast Facebook Page.

Do I need to list all the ways they have helped our community by fielding questions about the oil spill? The social media dept behind the scenes of the Alabama Gulf Coast Facebook page work day and night promoting the Alabama Gulf Coast and have built a following of more than 36K "fans." They go beyond the call of duty to answer questions of local events and of various local conditions. They research and deliver answers to questions from current temps to how to find local concierges. They offer fair and unbiased suggestions assisting first time and returning guests, small and large business owners and promote communities from Mobile to Pensacola.

If you feel like I do mail a card (or send goodies!) to:

Alabama Gulf Coast Social Media Department, 1916 S Bay Street, Foley, AL 36535

or send a holiday email to: GSOBtourism@gmail.com

TIP: There are five locals and another half dozen who work remotely.

2) Write a Thank You or Mail a Christmas Card to Coast 360 for Their Daily Beach Update Videos.

Their physical address is: 175 Northshore Place Gulf Shores, AL 36542-2736

If you choose to take any pies or "goodies" to thank the staff behind Coast 360 just know they have a staff of about 40 people. You should also designate some of the goodies go to the camera crew whose office is located in another building.

3) Write a Christmas Card of Thanks to Steve Jones for the Daily Beach Photos He Shares on the Alabama Gulf Coast Facebook Page.

If you'd like to learn more about: Mr. Jones read here

You can send mail to: Steve Jones c/o Kaiser Realty, Inc. PO Drawer 1018 1557 Gulf Shores Pkwy Gulf Shores, AL 36547

4) Put a Christmas Card and/or Goodies in Your Mailbox for Your Local Carrier(s).

Our mail carrier has been our carrier since we moved here. She has been our watch dog. She phoned us when our property flooded. When we "forget" to complete a stop mail form she bundles and saves our mail until we return. If a piece is addressed to a previous address she delivers --- despite the change which happened more than two years ago.

My favorite gifts to give? Homemade peanut brittle (by a church which is wrapped and labeled according to law) or other such individually wrapped goodies. I also include wrapped ornaments for the kiddos.

5) Take Some Goodies (or Have Them Delivered) to Your Local Police, Sheriff and/or Volunteer Fire Station.

It might be a good idea to phone ahead with this one. A tip? Make sure your goodies are wrapped and from a locally recognized bakery. One year I took homemade goodies and bottled sodas. The officers did their best to hide their discomfort. I was bewildered, but after thinking about it I understood.

Other suggestions include mailing or sending goodies to your local personal banker, doctor and staff --- even your insurance agent if they have been particularly helpful or friendly.

If you have additional ideas please COMMENT and pass along. I'm sure I've left out several deserving hard-working people who certainly deserve a thanks this Christmas.

Do You Have a Seasonal Story.

Do You Have a Seasonal Story?

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