Sharing Joy

From Turn on the Town to fireworks galore, Seaside employees share their favorite holiday activities 

By Margaret Abrams 

Visitors flock to Seaside over the holiday season, eager to see the lights around town and the Christmas trees in all their glory. Staff members also have their favorite holiday activities, from Turn on the Town when the epic lights flash on for the very first time to visiting the holiday market for last-minute gifts. Watching “The Nutcracker” and visiting Santa also topped the list of annual traditions. And of course, while it’s all about family, many employees like getting their stores festive for the holiday season. 

Ryan Phillips, the Director of Sales and Store Operations, has been working in Seaside for the past decade and loves walking around town when it’s quiet to look at the lights. Ryan isn’t the only one who loves the Christmas decoration, which grows brighter every year. 

Administrative Services Manager Paula Simpler, who has been working at Seaside for the past 35 years, said, “I like walking around town after dark when it is not busy and seeing all the lights. It just has that magical feeling.”

Jack Massey, a seasonal club attendant from Dallas, Texas, has been working in Seaside for the past two years and loves to walk around the town with his family to look at the lights, as well as taking in the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the beach. He said, “Everything feels magical around Christmas time.”

For most people in Seaside, it’s all about spending time with family in town … and capturing those special moments with Santa annually. E-commerce manager Kennedi Bell loves taking her kids to see Santa and said, “It is so magical and has become a tradition for our family.” 

Director of Buying and Merchandising Pam Riley enjoys “spending time in town in the evenings when the lights are all on.” Pam said, “Seaside is a hidden gem around the holidays. It feels quaint and cozy, and all the shops have great merchandise for gifting.”