If you call Carteret County home, you know there’s no better place to be for the holidays. However, traditions can be a bit different at the Crystal Coast. You know you’re in Carteret County for Christmas if…

There are more boats than floats in the parade

Christmas dinner includes a pan of steaming oysters

Santa asks whether you’ve been naughty or “noice”

You go to the beach and get a tan

There’s a sea star on top of your tree

6/10 dishes on the table contain Duke’s mayonnaise

The kids refuse to wear long pants or real shoes

While you’re visiting with Santa on the waterfront, a pirate strolls by

Your collards come from Willis Farms and your pies from Friendly Market

The leaves are just now changing color

You spent more time decorating your boat than your home

You’re wearing an Ugly Christmas tank top

There’s Cheerwine beside the spiced wine

Your church offers ten services between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

You get a cast net and new waders from Santa

School gets cancelled for ice on the roads Down East, then it’s 70 degrees by noon

The afternoon board meeting is held by the Oceanana Pier, on a surfboard

You have a crabpot tree in every color

Half your Christmas tree ornaments are shells

Every stranger on the street smiles and wishes you a Merry Christmas

The holly trees are decked in red berries, the live oaks are green, and the ibises are white

You’re as happy as a clam and full up to your ears with Christmas cheer

Happy Holidays to you and your kin – Jessi Waugh