Editorial: It may not seem like Christmas, but it sure feels like Boca again

The streets are full of golf carts with canine backseat drivers, the sidewalks are filled with all ages of snowbirds and, once again, it is Christmas time in Boca. It’s a time that isn’t quite season, but the group of us that are here year-round, or who come religiously to experience an island Christmas, know that there’s a feeling like no other time of year.

There’s a lot of generosity on this island. Coming from the mainland, where cranky shoppers weave their way through traffic, always in a hurry to get home or to the next destination to finish wish lists, Boca Grande is full of smiles, waves and friendly faces. From my office today I saw one golf cart full of very patient Labradors, sitting a mere 15 feet from a table full of bake sale goodies. Last week at Hudson’s Grocery an anonymous donor gave $500 to the store’s Relay for Life team, then gave another $500 to the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Almost every year the Boca Grande Fire Department men and women chip in their own money to give to an island family in need. The food barrels are full, the toy barrels overflow. This island is in a class of its own when it comes to understanding the true spirit of the holidays.

This Christmas weekend some of the most sacred island traditions will be honored. The Pageant at the Catholic Church and the arrival of Santa at the Crowninshield Community House have been taking place for a long, long time out here, and it’s just part of what makes Boca Grande magical at Christmas.

So whether you’re surfing this Christmas joyriding in the cart with the dogs, or spending time with the family, everyone at the Boca Beacon hopes you have the brightest, and most peaceful of holidays. Merry Christmas!

Marcy Shortuse is the editor of the Boca Beacon newspaper.