07/29/2026
✨ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Tina Goodson✨
Some traditions begin with grand plans. Others begin with a simple idea, a willing heart, and a desire to make a difference.
In 2020, Tina Goodson had a vision—to create something special that would bring our community together during the Christmas season. What started with just 50 Christmas trees has grown into one of the area's most cherished holiday traditions. Last year, 92 beautifully decorated trees filled the park, creating a place where families gathered, children laughed, pictures were taken, and Christmas memories were made.
But Christmas Trees in the Park is about so much more than the trees.
Over the years, Tina has poured her heart into growing this event by adding Letters to Santa, where every child who mails a letter receives a personalized response from Santa himself, free hot chocolate, Adopt an Elf, special ornaments, and countless little details that have become treasured traditions for families throughout our community.
Perhaps one of the most magical parts of all is the Letters to Santa.
While children eagerly wait for a reply from the North Pole, what many don't see are the countless evenings spent after work reading every letter, writing heartfelt responses from Santa, addressing envelopes, and making sure every child experiences a little Christmas magic. It's a labor of love that takes hours of dedication, but seeing the excitement on a child's face makes every minute worthwhile.
The work doesn't stop there.
Long after the workday ends and on countless weekends, Tina is behind the scenes planning, organizing, checking and rechecking signs, coordinating donations, making sure every tree is standing tall, every light is plugged in and shining brightly, and taking care of the hundreds of details that most people will never know about. Much of what she does happens quietly, without recognition, simply because she loves this community and wants to make Christmas special for everyone.
And when Christmas is over, the giving continues.
Every dollar raised through the Christmas trees and every donation received goes right back into our community. Those funds provide Christmas in July gifts and goodies for residents in seven local nursing homes, bringing smiles, comfort, and a reminder that they are loved, remembered, and never forgotten.
From 50 trees in 2020 to 92 trees last year, Tina's vision has become something much bigger than she ever imagined. It has become a tradition. A place where families gather. A place where children believe. A place where memories are made.
But as Tina would be the first to say...
No dream becomes reality alone.
A heartfelt thank you to William Bottomley, whose dedication to our community through High Country Lights is nothing short of remarkable. The work he does behind the scenes isn't limited to Christmas—it happens all year long. From helping with trees to creating magical displays that brighten our community, his passion, generosity, and countless hours of hard work help make this event possible.
We are also incredibly thankful to Bottomley's Evergreens and Farms for the donated Christmas trees they have generously provided over the years. Their kindness has helped this tradition continue to grow and has allowed even more businesses, organizations, and families to take part in creating the beautiful display our community has come to love.
A special thank you to Jan and Roy Bedsaul for their unwavering support, countless hours of hard work, and servant hearts. Much of what they do happens quietly behind the scenes without recognition, yet they are always willing to step in, lend a hand, and do whatever is needed. Their dedication and love for this community have helped make Christmas Trees in the Park what it is today.
Thank you to Galax Parks and Recreation for allowing our Christmas trees to call the park home and giving our community a beautiful place to gather and celebrate the season.
Thank you to L&L Construction for driving every T-post, standing every tree, making sure each one is secure and ready to be decorated, and for taking on the enormous task of setting up the beautiful 14-foot Christmas tree that has become such a centerpiece of the display.
Thank you to the City of Galax for your continued support and willingness to help year after year.
And finally, thank you to the businesses, organizations, families, and community members who adopt these trees and brave the cold weather to decorate them with so much love and creativity. Your generosity and dedication are what transform a park full of trees into something truly magical.
Without this community, none of this would be possible.
What started with one woman's dream, a heart for her community, and 50 Christmas trees has grown into 92 trees, countless memories, and a tradition that now belongs to an entire community.
Because in the end...
It isn't about the lights.
It isn't about the decorations.
It isn't even about the trees.
It's about the child who receives a letter from Santa.
It's about the family sharing a cup of hot chocolate.
It's about the volunteer decorating a tree on a cold December evening.
It's about the resident in one of our local nursing homes who smiles during Christmas in July because someone remembered them.
It's about neighbors helping neighbors.
It's about generosity.
It's about hope.
It's about community.
And that is the greatest Christmas gift of all.
