By Forest Riggs

If the pandemic has kept you from visiting Galveston Island, now just might be the time to drive down and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat, or so says the popular, old holiday tune.

Not so sure about goose, but islanders, like many others around the country, are still feeling the effects of too much turkey and trimmings that came with Thanksgiving. Those wonderful pies and baked goods were delicious; however, the bathroom scale tells a different tale. With Turkey Day just a few weeks in the rear-view mirror, it’s once again time to fill the tables, deck the halls and wait for good ol’ St. Nick!

The “elves” have been very busy, mostly after dark, decorating the buildings, streets, and private homes that line the quaint streets of Galveston. The City of Galveston and the Parks Board have worked very hard to transform the streets, parks and building fronts into a flurry of lights and red and green ribbon. The downtown Christmas tree will be lighted with the usual fanfare that includes musical performances, actors, warm beverages, and snacks.

Once again, merchants and businesses all over the Island are participating in the annual Christmas Tree contest. The contest has proved very popular and offers island business owners and opportunity to go all out on their decorations.

The public may vote on their favorite tree on VisitGalveston.com through Sunday, January 2.

In preparation for the Galveston Historical Foundation’s annual Dickens on the Strand (Dec. 5 and 6), the downtown shopping district once again turns back time and recreates jolly old England as it appeared in the late Victorian period.

Folks in costumes, some very elaborate, walk the brick streets, stand under flickering gas lamps, and sample all the delights of a Victorian street festival. There are actors, dancers, steam-punk characters, pirates, and even a few blue-capped “Bobbies.” The Island is ready for a great turnout at this fun, wholesome and family-oriented Christmas.

The giant tree located at 25th and Broadway is an eye-catcher for anyone passing near the Victory Statue at Hero Square, day or night. On the Seawall, the beautiful Hotel Galvez, now painted back to its original pink, is lighted and ready to shine. With all the recent renovations and changes to the landscape, the Galvez is once again the “Jewel of the Gulf Coast.” Don’t miss the opportunity to see the reborn Texas institution. Several locations around the property make excellent backdrops for seasonal photos. Get out there and smile!

Across the bayou, Moody Gardens is again shining brightly and creating a spectacular reflection on the water. The Festival of Lights (through Jan 2) is a magical experience that is sure to make the toughest old Scrooge have a change of heart. Ice sculptures, zillions of lights, and excellent food and beverages await those planning to visit the Island’s star attraction.

With so much Christmas activity on the Island, a visit can be truly magical. Galvestonians love to “show off” their island home and they do it well at Christmas.

With all the hoopla it is easy to forget the reason for the season, but for most, no matter their spiritual beliefs or lack of, Christmas is a time to come together, lay aside difference and unite in the spirit of the season. Warm hearts, glad smiles, and even a kiss or two — that’s what it’s all about.

If you are looking for a way to make Christmas 2021 a wonderful experience, especially after such a dismal year, you might just plan to visit the Island.

Merry Christmas and blessings to all!

A resident of Galveston where he can be found wasting bait and searching for the meaning of life, Forest Riggs recently completed a collection of short stories about his beloved island and is working on a novel.