There’s something special about visiting North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I recently returned from a trip to check in on my folks, and each evening after the day’s work, I found myself drawn to the shore. The peaceful sound of the waves and the salty breeze provided the perfect backdrop for ending my day with a leisurely stroll.

Walking on the beach is not just a simple activity—it’s a gentle escape that rejuvenates the soul.

There’s an undeniable allure to the way the sand shifts beneath your feet, the sight of seashells scattered along the shoreline, and the constant yet comforting sound of waves rolling in and out. This simple walk connects you to nature in a profound way, allowing you to reset from the fast pace of everyday life.

One of the things that makes a beach walk so special is the treasure hunt for shells.

Each shell holds a story: its journey, the waters it traveled through, and the unique marks that shaped its surface. As I strolled along the beach, I was captivated by the variety of shells I found—some delicate and small, others robust and patterned, each one a little masterpiece. Collecting shells always brings a sense of calm and wonder, a reminder that the simplest things often carry the most beauty. It’s like discovering a hidden world that has always been there, waiting for us to pay attention.

These shells are not just beautiful souvenirs of a beach walk; they carry with them a sense of serenity. Holding a shell up to my ear, I could almost hear the ocean’s whispering reminder to slow down. For me, the act of collecting shells during my evening strolls felt like a form of meditation—a chance to focus on the present and enjoy life’s small wonders.

Beyond the beauty of the shells, there are so many physical and mental benefits to walking on the beach.

The sand provides natural resistance, making each step a mini workout, while the fresh air and sound of the waves do wonders for reducing stress and improving mood. Walking barefoot is particularly therapeutic—it’s a practice known as “earthing,” which is said to help balance energy, reduce inflammation, and even improve sleep. Personally, I’ve always felt more grounded, relaxed, and in tune with myself after a walk on the sand, as if I’m shedding layers of stress with each step.

Every walk felt like a chance to breathe in the salty air, watch the sun dip below the horizon, and let the day’s worries wash away with the tide. In those moments, it was just me, the vast sky, and the gentle rhythm of the sea—a reminder that there’s always room for moments of peace, even amidst a busy life.

My recent visit to North Myrtle Beach reminded me of the beauty that simplicity holds in the charm of a shell, the rhythm of a walk, and the healing power of nature. No matter where our journeys take us, I hope we all find time for these leisurely strolls, these simple escapes—they return us, in the end, to our happy place.

As the year winds down, I feel somewhat nostalgic this year. I believe it comes from being so thankful to be here writing and booking travel after what seems like an eternity of trials. However, that is precisely it; we can always keep our spirit no matter the challenges. December for me is always a rollercoaster month of emotions, but when I think and prepare for the holiday, it brings me joy. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite holiday traditions. While not all of them happen every year now, especially with the kids all grown up and the family spread across the states, they still bring joy to me. You may practice some of them yourself. I hope thinking of them brings a smile to your face.

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

• Cutting a Christmas Tree.  I haven’t done this one in years, but oh, the memories of bundling up and going to go pick out what I always felt was the grandest tree. Over the years, I lived in many homes with Cathedral ceilings allowing us to get a huge and very tall tree. But what I love most, its the smell. 
• Watching the Sound of Music.  My favorite movie. Every December, it has become a tradition for mom and daughter to watch. And of course, you can not watch it without singing along. I was fortunate to see a theater version with a good friend one year. And probably one of the best family trips ever was a trip to Germany and Austria that included the Sound of Music tour. 
• Hanging Christmas Stockings. To this day, my kids still find the stockings to be the best part of Christmas. We open them last. I fill them each year with the same treats. I fill them with such things as toothbrushes, floss, gum, nuts, chocolate, hard candy, chapstick, and more. 
• Opening One Gift on Christmas Eve. After returning from Midnight Mass, it has always been a tradition to open one gift before heading to bed. Oddly enough, this one gift always managed to be pajamas. Insert winky face. Today, my adult kids still look to open that one gift. 
• Attending Midnight Mass. While it can be a struggle to stay up, I believe this is the most beautiful and heartfelt of the Christmas masses. It just seems a bit more magical when you leave and see the stars in the sky. After all, it is the reason for the season. 

I am sure there are more I could share, but as the song says, “these are a few of my favorite things.” I would love to know if your family shares any of our traditions or what others you might have to share. The greatest gift about working in travel and living all over is discovering other cultures. Learning what is the same and trying something new.