It's Beginning to Look Like Punta Gorda Christmas

Walking downtown this morning I looked up to see the familiar large snowflakes hanging somewhat incongruently from the light posts along Marion and Taylor Streets. For a moment I reflected back on my first Christmas in Florida, and how odd it felt that first year here not to have cold weather, let alone snow. In many ways, it still feels odd, but it's a comfortable oddness, as I've become accustomed to the unique and special Christmas traditions possible in a warmer climate.

So when the Punta Gorda Christmas tree is lit for the first time this year on December 4, and the substitute snowfall magically appears, I will no longer miss that shock of coldness as the snowflakes hit your cheeks. And I won't miss sloshing through the snow, as I meander down Marion Ave. in the sunshine or while I wander in Fishermen's Village without a winter coat and hat admiring the Christmas decorations in the shops.

Moreover, whether it's to compensate for lack of the weather associated with Christmas or because it's just more possible in this climate, there seems to be many more holiday activities to enjoy. Let's start with two or three Holiday boat parades without freezing, the one in the Harbor, and the other two through the neighborhood canal systems.

The first time we took the Good Times Too out to the harbor and watched lighted boats float past a descending mango-colored sun, I knew I was in the right place for the holidays. If you haven't experience at least one of Punta Gorda's parades, try to do so, ideally on the water. The Peace River Lighted Boat Parade this year is Saturday, December 5. You may still be able to get on one of the boats of the Kingfisher's Fleet ( Call 941 639-0969). Alternatively go watch this parade from Fishermen's Village, along the new Harbor Walk or from Laishley Marina (the boats all come in here and turn around).

Just touring the canals by boat (if you don't have one -- Kingfisher offers tours) or driving the streets of Punta Gorda Isles and Burnt Store Isles with the decorated houses and boats is a delight. Since most canal residents decorate the back of their houses on the canals sometimes more elaborately than the fronts, Punta Gorda Christmas displays are best seen by boat though you can catch glimpses of the canal decorations from the streets.

Another display that I never miss is Christmas Card Lane, sponsored by the Punta Gorda Kiwanis , the rows of giant Holiday Greeting Card replicas that line the path in Gilchrist Park between the first Saturday in December (this year the 5th) and the day after New Year's. And starting on December 12, a new event is planned by the Historical Society at the History Park on Shreve St. -- "Christmas in the 40's, " showcasing the renovated Price House decorated as it would have been in the 1940's with nightly entertainment and refreshements through December 19.

Fishermen's Village is kicking off the Holidays this Saturday, November 21, with a Festival of Lights starting at 5:30 PM. Of course, there is a full line up of seasonal events planned for December.

There are many other events, concerts, galas as well, some of which I will cover over the next weeks. And tonight Gallery Walk with its Thanksgiving walk, you can place your bid on your favorite holiday wreath. It will be a good night to start the Punta Gorda holiday season.

While I could always take a plane and visit the real stuff, as they say in the carol..there's no place like home for the holidays, and Punta Gorda is that for me and where I'll be.