Just as Beachin’ rolls in waves and basks in the rays of Alabama’s Gulf Coast: Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan, Beachin’s December issue relishes the sugar-white sands of the gulf's shores and insists that colder climates keep their snow.

 Happy holidays from Beachin' and Here Comes Santa Claus on the cover, thanks to Photographer Mark Robinson. Those rosy-red cheeks might be remnants of a sunburn, but that's not hindering any lap-sitting or Christmas-wishing, here.

 The magazine starts out with an article on Christmas activities at The Wharf so that residents and tourists, alike, can find their holiday happenings, from reindeer petting to tree decorating. Next, the Mystical Order of Mirams shows the spicy side of Christmas while warming hearts at a Toys for Tots fundraiser and cocktail gala, Taste of the Islands. But don't worry, if those don't fill you proverbial stocking, you'll find a variety of options in What To Do? Along the coast.

 'Tis the season for bellies to shake while we laugh, like a bowl full of jelly—this month, the Adventures in Dining crew creative, Southern dishes and great service at Original Oyster House. Check out our take on Joe and Dave's Favorite baked oysters, delectable cheese grits and heavenly Tasso ham cream sauce at the restaurant that takes pride in one-of-a-kind and in long-term staff's service. Sip & Savor offers a few sweet treats so you can sit back with a White Christmas Russian while others fight the flow of traffic. And don't forget to chocoholic your stress with sensations from Magical Marble Brownies. But if the kitchen stove has gone into overdrive, as of late, check out the dining guide, then sit back and leave it to the guys in poofy, white hats.

 Capt. Don offers tips to attract thos residents of cooler waters, and the golf and marina guide give options for the non-traditional, holiday-activity seeker. While chasing the little, white balls, we've got some must-dos to add to the score-sheet. See Golf Gulf Shores' Fab Five and let the Christmas vacation begin. Oh, and speaking of non-traditional, after a long day of sport, perhaps a dip in frigid waters with other Polar Bear Plung-ers is in store.

 For the inner artist, who's begging to escape the traditional tree trimming, or those icy waters, the photo club pages hold unique offerings for Christmas on the coast and Nutcracker ballet information might satisfy the dancer- or spectator-side too-long tied down. An art exhibit and reception at Orange Beach Art Center will further satisfy your need for visual art, and the Chorale Society of Pensacola might be able to help those who's ears have been neglected throughout the year.

 Sink teeth into the story of John Gibson and his remarkable water-treader and pull the parking brake for Parking Experts Offer Shoppers 10 Tips for the Holiday Season: You can't shop if you can't park.

 But if shopping, gift wrapping and cookie baking offer a too-commercialized Christmas, carols, live nativities and the true reason for the season might be found elsewhere. See the Church Directory if the spirit of the Christmas is on your list.

 Finally, enjoy this month's Shutter Siren for a celebration of  beachfront holiday, and a reminder of warm bits of cheer in the wake of a cool breeze from the Gulf waves.