By Christy A. Milliken

Need a little help this Holiday? Don’t have a meltdown! (Unless of course you’re having one in Seaside before you go shopping! The Meltdown serves warm soups and tasty specialty grilled cheese, and is the perfect way to warm up during 30A’s slightly chilly winter season.)

There are so many wonderful local shopping options, and here are just a few of Santa’s stops whenever he arrives on 30A.

Of course, Santa arrives here by paddle board, so his first stop is at the WaterColor Boat House for the latest YOLO Board gear. Next, for all those fishermen and outdoor types on his list, he peddles just down the gravel path to Old Florida Outfitters, on his custom bike from Big Daddy’s.

Tis’ the season to make a fuss, so his next stop is Fuss Boutique for all the stylish ladies on his list. As he peddles over to Seaside, he realizes that he needs a new pair of genuine leather boots. After finding the perfect fit at Mercantile, he’s a little pressed for time, so he makes a B-Line to Mercantile’s register and adds a couple of stylish leather cuffs to his finds. Craving some holiday tunes, he checks quite a few more items off his list at Central Square Records.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus spent her morning at Artists at Gulf Place and the Shops of Grayton. Now she’s exploring The Art of Simple and a few other boutiques and galleries in The Shops of Ruskin. Strolling through Sundog Books, she picks up the holiday issue of VIE Magazine, but remembers that she really needs a new pair of reading glasses. So she hops over to The Artful Eye, just across the plaza. Finally on her way to meet Santa, she gets distracted and tries on a few pearls at La Vie Est Belle, and quickly adds those to her personal wish list. She finds ‘ol Saint Nick in front of Duckies, giving orders to his elves for the many kids on the list. Then, what to her wondering eyes should appear? The unique style of art at Justin Gaffrey Studio & Gallery.

Heading east along 30A, they relax for a few minutes at Alys Beach, enjoying a little hot cocoa at Fonville Press. With a few free moments to ponder, Mrs. Claus remembers to place her order with La Lobas for a Veggie Pie for Christmas dinner.

Santa and Mrs. Claus end their shopping trip in Rosemary Beach where they visit Tracery Interiors for a few holiday decor needs, and then they drop in next door to Tommy Crow Studios to book a photo session. Mrs. Claus has a few Hissyfits over a dress she wants for a holiday gathering at La Crema. A visit to Allison Wickey Gallery leaves the couple inspired about 30A’s artful community, and they buy a few designs from Allison Wickey’s 30A Shirt Collection and as well as some of Justin Lyon’s fun and funky designs. Before calling it a day, they wearily make their way to Pish Posh Patchoulis, where they indulge in a few luxury bath soaps and lotion.

Settling in for the night at WaterColor Inn, Mrs. Claus places a quick online order with Niki Gaffrey Jewelry, for a few very special stocking stuffers.

Santa smiles, and knows he’ll have a hard time sleeping. He just can’t wait to give Mrs. Claus his ultimate holiday surprise — a new puppy from Alaqua Animal Refuge.