When Travis Benintendo, who splits time between Holgate and Charlston, S.C., first floated the idea of a beach Christmas tree in Holgate to a community Facebook group in 2019, the group was less than receptive.

“Down in Folly Beach, there is a beach tree every year. I liked the idea and I suggested it on the Holgate Update page. But people weren’t too enthusiastic,” said Benintendo.

The 52-year-old grew up between Queens and Holgate. The deed to his family’s property was originally won in a card game at the…