Lay In Days: Embracing Winter on Smith Island

Winter has always been a time to slow down on Smith Island. The cold months bring harsh weather that often keeps us from working the water. As watermen, we wouldn’t work on Saturdays and Sundays due to the laws governing oystering and crab dredging. And, of course, Sunday was always a day of rest and worship, an important part of our culture. Our workweek typically ran from Monday through Friday, but bad weather often forced us to "lay in." That’s a term we use when rough conditions keep us from heading out on the water.

A deep freeze at Smith Island coats the boat and dock in ice.

Winter was also a time to spend indoors, enjoying the warmth of family and friends. We would visit with each other, play games, and share meals—not just on weekends but sometimes throughout the week. February was always special because the community of Tylerton would come together for a Valentine’s dinner in the church basement. Tylerton is where my wife and lived when we were married. It was a time for good food, good laughter, and good fun. After a delicious meal, we’d enjoy skits and games, one of the favorites being the "Newlywed Game."

For those who aren’t familiar, the Newlywed Game is a fun competition where married couples answer questions about each other to see how well they really know one another. The catch is that their answers must match to earn points. The game can lead to plenty of laughs when spouses remember things differently! On Smith Island, the game wasn’t just for newlyweds—it was open to married couples of all ages. I remember when Carole Ann and I were first married, we were asked to play. We had only been married a few months, but it was a lot of fun. One year, the oldest married couple in the community participated, and it was hilarious because they got a lot of the answers wrong! This opened them up to the islander's playful banter.

Serving dinner at one of our church functions.

Islanders have always lived in harmony with nature, adapting to the seasons and the weather. In winter, when the bay froze over and freight boats only ran occasionally, life slowed even more. But we were always prepared. Living on Smith Island means keeping a well-stocked pantry and a freezer full of seafood—crab meat, soft crabs, shrimp, and other delicacies. Some of our best meals have been made during these frozen standstills, shared with family and neighbors. In the past, there were bonfires and even ice skating when the waterways were solid enough. Since no work could be done, we took every opportunity to enjoy ourselves.

When I moved off the island to go into ministry, one of the hardest things to adjust to was working on "lay-in days." I was so used to bad weather days being a time to rest that my body naturally wanted to slow down when the weather turned rough. It took me years to break that habit, and even now, when storms roll in, I still feel that urge to take it easy. It’s amazing how the traditions we grow up with stay with us, shaping how we live even when our surroundings change. One of the best lay-in day meals is a pot of butter beans (large lima beans) and fried soft crabs. This is a meal my mom fixed for me a few days ago when I visited her and dad after a recent freeze-up of the island. 

Having a little fun after the snow storm.

I feel truly blessed to have been raised in such a unique place with such a rich culture. Our traditions of work, rest, and celebration have given me a deep appreciation for the rhythm of island life.

What are some customs from your past that you still carry with you today?