In a quiet corner of the Jersey Shore, a bright green Christmas tree stands on the sand, its branches holding shells etched with handwritten messages of comfort. The sight has become a seasonal landmark along Ocean City’s beaches, drawing locals and visitors alike to pause and reflect.
The Tradition of Beach Trees
Every holiday season, a handful of towns along the Jersey Shore decorate their shorelines with Christmas trees. The trees are not just festive symbols; they are canvases for community expression, with shells and other ornaments bearing messages that speak of hope, remembrance, and solidarity. NBC10’s Ted Greenberg notes that the tradition has grown from a handful of trees to a widespread practice that now includes dozens of beaches.
A Personal Tribute that Became a Community Memorial
The origin of Ocean City’s most famous beach tree is a story of family and loss. Matt DeChristopher’s mother, Roseann, who had eight children, passed away in 2022. \”She loved Ocean City,\” DeChristopher said. \”This was always our spot, so we decided to put it here.\”
After that first tree was planted on Ocean City’s 34th Street Beach, the DeChristopher family has returned each year to add a new tree, turning the spot into a place where others are invited to honor those they miss. \”It’s just gotten bigger and bigger,\” DeChristopher explained. \”It’s never good losing someone, but if we can remember the good times that we had with them, kind of makes it all a little better.\”
Expanding Themes and Community Involvement
Over the past several years, Christmas trees have found a place on the sand in a growing number of shore towns, and many have adopted specific themes. Ocean City now hosts close to a dozen trees, each with its own purpose. One of the most impactful is the 59th Street tree, which has become a hub for collecting non‑perishable food items for two local food pantries.
This year, organizers intensified their outreach on social media, and the community responded in large numbers. \”Close to 1000 pounds so far,\” Wendy Smith said. \”I think people are very aware of the need.\”
The Power of a Simple Gesture
What began as a single family’s way of coping with grief has blossomed into a community tradition that blends remembrance with generosity. The beach trees invite people to pause, share memories, and, in some cases, give back. Whether it’s a handwritten shell, a donated food item, or simply the act of standing beside a green tree on the sand, each gesture adds to a tapestry of shared experience that strengthens the Jersey Shore’s sense of community.
Key Takeaways
- Ocean City’s 34th Street Beach hosts a memorial tree that started as a tribute to a family member and now welcomes others to honor loved ones.
- The 59th Street tree serves as a food‑drive hub, with close to 1000 pounds of non‑perishable items collected this year.
- The tradition of beach Christmas trees has grown to nearly a dozen trees in Ocean City, each with its own theme and purpose.
The Jersey Shore’s beach trees illustrate how a simple, seasonal practice can become a powerful symbol of remembrance, community, and generosity. As the holiday season approaches, the trees stand ready to welcome new memories and new acts of kindness.
