By Linda Elissalde
It has been A Very Merry Christmas indeed. Generous friends constantly dropped off gifts. Galveston College Chorale members presented our Christmas program “Shalom” on December 13th. Director Mike Gilbert and pianist Ron Wyatt led the 60 plus performance masked singers through a delightful program resulting in a standing ovation. What a grand beginning for the holiday!

Yondle Davis, my dear friend for over 50 years, arrived December 16th. We spent time reminiscing, opening gifts and ferrying over for a yearly shopping trip on The Strand in Galveston. Tradition demanded that we end our jaunt by gulping down delicious fried shrimp at Willie G’s. We had fun together.

Five Star Chefs Dr. Melanie and Mack Wallace wined and dined us December 20th. We taste tested a brand new menu. Starting with cheese fondu, followed by shrimp bisque, beefs Wellington, sautéed green beans with sautéed onions and mushrooms, potatoes cooked in heavy cream, home made breads, and a finale of homemade gingerbread covered in freshly whipped cream filled us to capacity. There were many more delights upon which to munch. We left with a bag full of goodies that lasted through Christmas. If your name is Wallace, you know how to entertain.

Bay Vue United Methodist Church (UMC) held their annual Christmas Eve Service under the leadership of Pastor Valerie Hudson who also composed a version of the Christmas story. Church members volunteered as actors. Talented Paulette Layfield did double duty as pianist and the angel Gabriel. L.B. Hunt accompanied with a skillful percussion presentation. Other performers included Doug and Melody Romero (Joseph and Mary), Jane Loose and Linda C Elissalde (Shepherds), and Elinor Tinsley, Marcel Elissalde, Rita Moseley (The 3 Wise Guys). Pat Tinsley manned the lights. Ushers George Strong, Dixie Rohan and Raquel Silverberg assisted attendees. Reba Hemstad, Elaine Rollfing, Rita Moseley, and Betty Williamson served as The Angel Choir. The event closed with a congregation of over 70 folk quietly singing “Silent Night” as they held lighted candles. Our hearts were ready for Christmas Day.

Christmas morning dawned bright, clear and crispy. Marcel and I hastened to Dannay’s to purchase some goodies for breakfast. Our daughter Kit and her friend Dale awaited our return and gobbled those kolaches and donuts down in a hurry. Then it was Christmas package opening time. (OK, it is my favorite time of the season.) I serve as Mrs. Santa to hand out packages parked under our faux Christmas palm tree. I do not know if we were naughty or nice, but Santa was mighty generous to all of us. A quick clean up ensued before friends arrived to join us for turkey, dressing, etc. etc. etc. George Strong, Raquel Silverberg and Paulette Layfield made everything merry and bright.

We joined church members and guests in a special Sing Along Service on December 26th. The congregation picked their favorite Christmas Carols to sing lustily and well as the founder of the Methodist Movement, John Wesley, decreed. Dale gifted us with Stingaree gift certificates so we had to do lunch. That was one yummy present. The sum of all these magical Christmas moments is definitely A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!