From the Editor | December 2024 & January 2025
It’s hard to believe that it’s already Christmastime. This time of year is filled with beautiful festive decorations, freshly baked goodies and holiday shopping. It’s also an opportunity to take a moment for reflection, remembrance and connection.
For many, this time is all about traditions. In our home, our favorite tradition is setting up the Christmas tree. Unlike a lot of trees, ours is not filled with bulb ornaments, but memories. After my husband and I married, we started collecting ornaments from places we visited. It’s not always the easiest to find a Christmas ornament in the middle of a summer vacation, but we make it work with key chains and figurines that my husband will hook an eyelet on to use as an ornament.
Now, whenever we set up our tree, we recall all the places we’ve visited throughout the years. It’s a special moment where we can take a walk down memory lane with our children and think about how blessed our lives have been.
Many of the stories in this issue are about the people and organizations throughout Central Texas who take the time to bless others. You might have noticed Santa Claus on our cover. Mike Boley embodies the spirit of the season by spreading joy as Santa. We caught up with him to discuss what inspired him to don the red suit. You can read Mike’s story here.
The United Way of Central Texas spreads love and cheer to people throughout the year by helping nonprofits improve the quality of life for people throughout the region. To thank them for their generosity, the Chrome & Carols Festival of Trees gives back to them. Find out all about Chrome & Carols, as well as how you can participate, here.
The Ralph Wilson Youth Club board celebrates the passing year, while looking forward to the next, during its annual Last Night Gala. The New Year’s Eve celebration raises funds for the youth club during a ball at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport.
While living in Texas, it’s sometimes easy to overlook all the Lone Star State has to offer. There’s so much to see and do, so we have come up with a Central Texas Bucket List to help you see some of the great things in this area in 2025.
Speaking of seeing Texas, check out this issue’s Daytrippin’ to find out about visiting Fredericksburg for Trade Days. The picturesque town hosts artists, crafters and other artisans during its monthly trade show. Blair shares her experience, as well as when the next event will be held.
Sharon shares her holiday decorating expertise, with instructions on how to create stunning Christmas centerpieces using trays. She even shows how to easily transform a Christmas tray into a New Year’s tray.
There’s a lot more to read about inside these pages, including an exclusive interview with country legend Terry McBride, here.
This has been a wonderful year. As you prepare for this busy season, make sure you stop and reminisce about all the blessings in your life. It’s easy to complain when you’re faced with challenges and disappointments, but if you take a moment to reflect on your life, you will be amazed by all the beauty that surrounds you. Your life is a blessing, so don’t take it for granted. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. See y’all in 2025!
BRANDY CRUZ is the editor of Tex Appeal. Contact her at editor@texappealmag.com.