Christmas Spirit is known as Ocean City’s “Miracle on 34th Street.” This unique store, a charming reproduction of an old barn, is a definite destination during your visit to the beach. It is filled with the twinkling lights of more than 25 theme trees, handcrafted ornaments and an incredible selection of collectibles. Everything from Christmas cards to lights can be found at Christmas Spirit – where Christmas is celebrated year ‘round!
Scott and Keys Chappelear opened Christmas Spirit in 1988 and it has been growing ever since. It began in Annapolis with a small gift shop in which only one room was dedicated to Christmas. That led to the store in Rehoboth Beach and then Ocean City. The Chappelears found that summer vacationers enjoyed starting their Christmas shopping at the beach, and purchasing an unusual ornament was the perfect gift for family and special friends at home.
Christmas Spirit in Ocean City started on 58th Street, eventually ending up at its present home in “the barn.” The entire shop is alive with the “spirit of Christmas” – the store even smells like Christmas! Walking through the winter wonderland of trees and limbs fills visitors with a sense of nostalgia. Many ornaments and decorations will bring back memories of childhood and family, but the Chappelears hope new memories will be created with items from their stores as well. “Christmas is a special time for our family and friends and we want to share it with our friends,” they said.
If you have an ornament or collectible in mind, this shop is sure to have what you are looking for. Christmas Spirit features Christopher Radko, Dept. 56, Wee Forest, Cats Meow, Possible Dreams, Pipka and Byers Choice, to name a few. Local craftspeople are also represented at Christmas Spirit. Themed trees are filled with ornaments relating to snowmen, firefighters, pets, fishing, sports, shells, gardens and patriotism. There is something for everyone and every interest!
Joyce Getchell, who has been with the Chappelears for 20 years and is thought of as one of the family, is the manager of the Christmas Spirit in Ocean City. She loves seeing all the repeat customers every year and pointing out all the new arrivals in ornaments and decorations. “People start a tradition of coming in and buying an ornament to remember their vacation every year,” Getchell says. “It’s great to see the same families and share in their excitement for Christmas. It’s like Christmas morning every day!”
No matter what location, Rehoboth Beach or Ocean City, stop by the Christmas Spirit on your next trip to the beach. Call the Ocean City store at 410-289-6101; the Rehoboth Beach store at 302-227-6872. |
